USA journalist Gershkovich faces upcoming espionage trial in Russia
A Russian prosecutor has chosen to refer the legal case involving Gershkovich to Yekaterinburg's Swerdlowsk Regional Court, as announced by the prosecutor's office. However, they didn't mention a date for when this trial would commence.
Until now, details regarding this case had been limited; all we knew was that the journalist was caught in the act. If found guilty, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison.
At the age of 32, Gershkovich has been held at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow for over a year. He got arrested during a research trip in Russia, and he's now the first Western reporter accused of espionage in Russia since the end of the Cold War. Despite the allegations against him, Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government all deny any wrongdoing.
Emma Tucker, the editor-in-chief of the "Wall Street Journal," criticized the prosecutor's announcement. In a statement shared by other top editors from the newspaper, she said, "Evan Gershkovich is being subjected to a false and unfounded accusation." She continued, "The latest step Russia is taking towards a sham trial is expected but deeply disappointing and no less reprehensible."
Vladimir Putin, Russian president, expressed support for Gershkovich's release during an interview with US broadcaster Tucker Carlson in February. He mentioned the case of Vadim Krasikov, who's detained in Germany, in his support for Gershkovich's release.
Gershkovich spends most of his time in a tiny cell with another inmate at the Lefortovo Prison. He's allowed outdoor time for just one hour daily in a small prison yard and tries to remain physically fit through regular exercise. Friends occasionally send him fruit and vegetables to help enhance the limited food he receives in the prison.
