Russia extends detention of US journalist Evan Gershkovich by 3 months
Russian Court Extends Arrest of Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich on Espionage Charges
A Russian court has extended the arrest of American citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich by three months on Tuesday, according to Russian news agencies. Gershkovich had been on a reporting trip in Russia when he was arrested in March on espionage charges. He, his employer and the US government have all denied the allegations.
The court hearing was not announced in advance and the entire case has been shrouded in secrecy. It is still unclear what evidence, if any, Russian authorities have gathered to support the charges. The session was closed due to the reporter’s alleged possession of “secret materials.” Details about whether Gershkovich or any US embassy representatives attended the hearing or what was said have not emerged.
Gershkovich is the first US correspondent to be detained in Russia on spying charges since the Cold War. His arrest has caused concern among journalists in the country and has drawn outrage from the West. The US government has declared that Gershkovich is “wrongfully detained” and has demanded his immediate release. He is currently being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison.
FAQs
What are the details of the espionage charges against Evan Gershkovich?
It is still unclear what evidence, if any, Russian authorities have gathered to support the charges against Gershkovich. The session was closed due to the nature of the alleged “secret materials” in Gershkovich’s possession.
Has Gershkovich denied the espionage charges?
Yes, both Gershkovich and his employer, the Wall Street Journal, have denied the allegations.
Has the US government taken any action?
The US government has declared that Gershkovich is “wrongfully detained” and has demanded his immediate release. US embassy officials were allowed at least one prison visit to Gershkovich since his arrest in Yekaterinburg on March 29, but Russian authorities have denied permission for other visits.
Where is Gershkovich being held?
Gershkovich is currently being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison.
US journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention extended by Russia for 3 more months.
The arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been extended for another three months, according to reports from Russian news agencies. The American citizen has been held since March on charges of espionage in Russia, although he, his employer and the US government have all denied the allegations. The case has been subject to a high degree of secrecy, with legal proceedings closed to the media and no details emerging from Tuesday’s court hearing, which wasn’t announced in advance. Gershkovich is the first US correspondent to face spying charges in Russia since the Cold War, and his detention has provoked concern among journalists and led to calls for his release by the US government.