The detention of an American journalist on suspicion of espionage for Washington was announced by Russia on Thursday, prompting quick condemnation from the West and requests for the Wall Street Journal reporter’s release.
Evan Gershkovich, 31, is believed to be the first foreign journalist jailed on charges of spying in post-Soviet Russia, and his detention marks a significant step up in the Kremlin’s massive media campaign.
Evan Gershkovich’s Case
After cracking down on Russian journalists during the past year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) cautioned that Moscow’s main purpose could be to prevent international journalists in Russia from releasing information critical of the Kremlin. According to the organization, Russia is likely to falsify evidence in Gershkovich’s case.
The CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, Gulnoza, warned that Gershkovich’s case could turn into a lengthy diplomatic battle.
Because Russian courts deny the accused basic rights and are frequently held in secret, Said believes Gershkovich’s chances of release are dependent on negotiations between the US and Russia, which is profiting from his arrest.
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American Journalist May Face 20 Years Imprisonment In Russia
Meanwhile, the White House stated that it is focusing on gaining access to Gershkovich before judging the level of threat to journalists in Russia.
The Russian Federal Security Service, the major successor agency to the Soviet-era KGB, apprehended Gershkovich and said he was operating on directions from the US.
During a press briefing with reporters, Jean-Pierre White House press secretary refused to answer a question about whether Gershkovich had ever worked for the US government, calling the allegations against him “ridiculous.”
The Journal has rejected the allegations against him and called for his release. Washington protested Gershkovich’s detention when he appeared in court in Moscow and pleaded not guilty before being ordered imprisoned until May 29.
He might face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Other press advocacy groups have decried the incarceration, including the National Press Club, which asked on the State Department on Thursday to declare Gershkovich’s detention an unjust detention.
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