American journalist Evan Gershkovich, detained in Russia on espionage charges, will stand trial behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg starting June 26, 2024, facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
A Russian court has announced that the espionage trial of American journalist Evan Gershkovich will commence on June 26, 2024, in Yekaterinburg, behind closed doors. Gershkovich, a 32-year-old reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was detained by Russian authorities in March 2023 on allegations of gathering secret information on behalf of the CIA. He has consistently denied these charges and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The trial will be overseen by Judge Andrei N. Mineev at the Sverdlovsky Regional Court. Gershkovich has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison since his arrest. The U.S. government and various international bodies, including the Wall Street Journal, have condemned the charges as politically motivated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the possibility of a prisoner swap following the trial, with talks between Russian and American officials reportedly ongoing. Other Americans currently detained in Russia include former Marine Paul Whelan and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva.
