The Russian court rejected the appeal of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich against his detention before trial.
The reporter has been charged with spying on Russian soil earlier this month. He is currently being held in the notorious Lefortovo Prison in Moscow.
M. Gershkovich (32), appeared today in a Moscow courtroom to appeal the decision that he be kept in an ex-KGB prison at least until 29 May.
The reporter stood inside a courtroom in a glass enclosure with his arms crossed, and said nothing.
Putin’s visit to Ukraine to “listen to Russian troops” – Latest War
If convicted, Mr Gershkovich could face up to 20-years in prison.
On his arrest, the Russian Federal Security Service accused him that he had tried to get classified information about an arms factory in Russia.
Mr Gershkovich was the first American journalist to be arrested in Russia on espionage allegations since the Cold War. He has “categorically denied” the accusations.
Lynne Tracy, US Ambassador to Russia who attended the hearing on Tuesday, said that Mr Gershkovich “deserves” to go home.
Outside the court in Moscow Ms Tracy stated that she visited the journalist a day before in prison, adding “He remains in good health”.
Joe Biden, the US President, condemned the detention Mr Gershkovich. He said that the US made “clear” the actions of Russia were “totally unlawful”.
reply
retweet
favourite
