Trial of American journalist Evan Gershkovich resumes in Russia
Gershkovich, the first American journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War, first went on trial on June 26 at the Sverdlovsky Regional Court in the city of Yekaterinburg, where he appeared in a courtroom’s glass cage with his head recently shaved.
Gershkovich was arrested while reporting for the Wall Street Journal, during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg in March 2023, and later accused of spying for the CIA. Gershkovich, the US government, and the WSJ have vehemently denied the charges against him.
Roger Carstens, US special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, said the US Embassy in Russia planned to seek permission to attend the Thursday hearing, according to Russian state media TASS.
CNN has reached out to the US Embassy in Russia.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Gershkovich's arrest has sparked significant discussions in the international media community, questioning the freedom of journalism in Russia. Despite being charged with espionage, his employer, the Wall Street Journal, strongly asserts his commitment to business journalism.
