By: Sean Crose
Former IBO welterweight Champion Chris Van Heerden introduced on social media Tuesday that his girlfriend has been detained by Russian authorities. “It deeply saddens me to share with you the distressing news that my girlfriend is currently being held in a Russian detention center,” he wrote. “This incredibly difficult situation has been ongoing for several weeks now, during which I was unable to openly discuss it. However, yesterday, the Russian government made this information public.”
Van Heerden went on to specific how troublesome the scenario has been whereas indicating that he feels accountable to do what he can. “I must admit that I am facing immense struggles,” he wrote, “but I am determined to stay strong and do everything within my power to bring her back to America. It is a constant battle, but I refuse to give up.” Ultimately, Van Heerden requested the general public to show to the Almighty. “I kindly ask for your prayers,” he wrote, “as her power and braveness are being examined to the utmost. Let us collectively pray that she stays unbroken all through this ordeal….thanks all on your unwavering help. #FreeKsenia“
According to News Nation, “Russia’s FSB said Tuesday it had detained a woman, since identified as 33-year-old Ksenia Karelina, in the Urals mountain city of Yekaterinburg on suspicion of treason, according to a report by state news agency TASS,” The outlet additionally claimed “the Los Angeles resident had been placed in pretrial detention after donating money to the Ukrainian military.” News Nation quotes an official on the American Embassy in Moscow as stating: “We are aware of the reports; however, due to privacy considerations, we have nothing further to convey at this moment.”
Per News Nation, the FSB claimed it had “suppressed the illegal activities of a 33-year-old resident of Los Angeles, who has dual citizenship of Russia and the United States of America, involved in providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of our country.” Van Heerden supplied footage of a younger girl, who is seemingly Karelina, being led down a hallway by a uniformed particular person with a winter hat protecting her eyes.
“Since February 2022,” the FSB acknowledged, “she (Kalerina) “has been proactively collecting funds in the interests of one of the Ukrainian organizations, which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medicine items, equipment, weapons and ammunition by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” Although particulars of the case haven’t been offered, Russia’s popularity for committing human rights abuses little doubt makes for a particularly worrying situation for Van Heerden and people pals and relations who’re near Kalerina.
