U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Charges in Moscow Court Appeal Hearing

On Tuesday, April 18th, 2023, American journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Moscow court to appeal his detention on espionage charges. The charges, which Gershkovich, the U.S. government, and his employer, the Wall Street Journal, all deny, are part of a sweeping Kremlin crackdown on dissent amid the war in Ukraine.

Gershkovich, the first U.S. journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War, was arrested while reporting in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on March 29. Dozens of journalists crowded together to catch a glimpse of the Wall Street Journal reporter, who is the first U.S. correspondent since the Cold War to be detained in Russia on spying allegations. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on espionage charges.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said he visited Gershkovich in detention and that the journalist was in good spirits. Sullivan said he had discussed the case with Russian officials and that he was “hopeful” that Gershkovich would be released soon.

The Wall Street Journal has expressed its support for Gershkovich and has called for his immediate release. The Committee to Protect Journalists has also called for Gershkovich’s release and has condemned the charges against him.

Gershkovich’s appeal hearing is scheduled to continue on April 20th. The outcome of the hearing is yet to be determined.