Evan Gershkovich, a Moscow correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, faces an extended stay in Russian custody as a Moscow city court upheld a November decision to extend his pre-trial detention until January 30, 2024.
Evan Gershkovich, accused of espionage since his arrest in March, continues to deny the charges, as does his employer and the United States government
The rejection of his appeal for release further prolongs his ordeal, with the Moscow court dismissing his plea. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his end-of-year news conference, expressed hope for a potential prisoner swap involving Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan, both detained on espionage charges. While acknowledging ongoing discussions with the US, Putin emphasized the complexities of the situation, urging the American side to comprehend Russia’s stance.
US ambassador Lynne Tracy criticized the prolonged detention, stating that Evan Gershkovich’s life has been on hold for over 250 days for a crime he did not commit. Tracy condemned the Russian authorities for using him as a political pawn, emphasizing the unacceptability of such tactics.
Evan Gershkovich was apprehended in Yekaterinburg on March 29, accused of attempting to obtain classified information about a Russian arms factory. His legal team and supporters dismiss the charges as baseless, and the US government has declared him “wrongfully detained,” accusing Russia of engaging in “hostage diplomacy.”
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed the government’s commitment to securing Gershkovich’s release, emphasizing that it remains a top priority for the White House
Sullivan’s comments come amid heightened tensions between the US and Russia over the war in Ukraine and concerns about a crackdown on independent media. The US is also investigating the case of Alsu Kurmasheva, a US-Russian dual citizen arrested in October for failing to register as a “foreign agent.” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kurmasheva’s employer, has denounced the new charges against her, which reportedly include allegations of violating rules against criticizing the war in Ukraine.
As Evan Gershkovich’s detention unfolds against the backdrop of strained US-Russia relations, hopes for a resolution lie in potential future prisoner exchanges. However, Russia has indicated it would only consider a swap after a verdict in Gershkovich’s trial, a process that may extend for over a year.