Moscow Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention of Wall Street Journal Journalist Evan Gershkovich on Espionage Charges
A Moscow court has decided to extend the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage charges, by an additional three months. The press service of the Lefortovo Court announced on Thursday that his detention will now last until November 30.
Gershkovich’s pretrial detention was initially set to end on August 30 but was previously extended on May 23 while he awaits trial. Unfortunately, on June 22, Gershkovich lost an appeal against the extension of his pre-trial detention in Moscow.
The journalist has been detained in Russia since March after being arrested on charges that he, the Wall Street Journal, and the US government vehemently deny. This arrest marks the first detention of an American reporter in Russia on allegations of spying since the Cold War, causing concern among White House officials and further straining the already tense relationship between Moscow and Washington.
The US State Department has officially designated Gershkovich as wrongfully detained in Russia, and US President Joe Biden has been vocal about his arrest, urging Russia to “let him go.” In July, during a news conference in Helsinki, Biden stated, “I’m serious about a prisoner exchange. I’m serious about doing what we can to free Americans who are being illegally held in Russia or anywhere else for that matter. And that process is underway.”
Biden’s commitment to securing Gershkovich’s release through a prisoner exchange demonstrates the seriousness with which the US government views this case. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will closely monitor the developments and hope for a resolution that ensures justice and the protection of press freedom.
How has the US government responded to the detainment of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia, and what measures are they taking to secure his release
Moscow Court Extends Detention of Wall Street Journal Journalist Evan Gershkovich on Espionage Charges
In a move that has raised concerns among White House officials and strained relations between Moscow and Washington, a Moscow court has decided to extend the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich. Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage charges, will now remain in detention until November 30, according to the Lefortovo Court.
Originally, Gershkovich’s detention was set to end on August 30, but it was previously extended in May. Unfortunately, his appeal against the extension of his pre-trial detention was unsuccessful.
Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March on charges that he denies, along with the Wall Street Journal and the US government. This arrest marks the first detention of an American reporter in Russia on spying allegations since the Cold War.
The US State Department has officially declared Gershkovich as wrongfully detained in Russia. US President Joe Biden has been vocal about the situation, calling on Russia to release him. During a news conference in Helsinki, Biden expressed his commitment to securing Gershkovich’s release through a prisoner exchange, emphasizing the seriousness with which the US government views the case.
As the international community closely follows the developments in this case, the hope remains for a resolution that upholds justice and ensures the protection of press freedom.
This is a disturbing violation of press freedom. Hoping for a swift resolution and release of Evan Gershkovich.
The unjust treatment of journalists is a clear sign of an authoritarian regime. Solidarity with Evan Gershkovich and all journalists fighting for the truth.