Church Volunteers released from Russia

SALT LAKE CITY — Two detained volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been released from Russia and are out of the country after being held for more than 3 weeks.

Elder Kole Brodowski and Elder David Gaag were detained in the port town of Novorossiyk, Russia, 930 miles south of Moscow on the Black Sea, after Russian officials accused them of teaching English without a license.

Church Spokesman Eric Hawkins told KSL:

“The two volunteers detained in Novorossiysk, Russia have been released and have left the country. Elder Kole Brodowski, age 20, who was nearing the end of his service, will return home to California. Elder David Gaag, age 19, will return to the United States for a short time, receive any needed support, and then continue his service in a new mission. While in detention, the volunteers were treated very well and maintained regular contact with their families and mission president. The Church is closely monitoring conditions in Russia for all volunteers and will continue to fully comply with Russian law.”

This story will be updated.

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