American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia on suspicion of espionage, will remain in custody for the time being. Gershkovich appealed against his pretrial detention, but the court rejected it. He will remain in custody until at least May 29.
The 31-year-old journalist from The Wall Street Journal was arrested on March 29 on suspicion of espionage. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Gershkovich and his employer deny espionage, but according to the Kremlin, the American has been caught in the act. So far no evidence has been provided for this.
The hearing in the Moscow court was partially open to the media, who saw Gershkovich for the first time since the arrest. He was separated from the rest of the room in a glass-walled cubicle. Footage from just before the verdict shows him crossing his arms and smiling.
The US government argues that Gershkovich is being wrongfully detained. Washington has made his release a priority. He received a visit from the US ambassador to Russia on Monday. She announced afterwards that the journalist feels good and is staying strong.
Gershkovich, whose parents left the Soviet Union for the US, has been writing about Russia for over five years. He was working on an article about the attitude of the Russian population towards recruitment efforts of the mercenary army of the Wagner Group. That army fights in Ukraine on the Russian side.
