Written By Lisa Murimi
US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been found guilty of espionage by a Russian court and sentenced to 16 years in a high-security penal colony. The verdict follows a secretive trial condemned as a “sham” by his employer, family, and the White House.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter was arrested last March during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, about 1,600km east of Moscow. Russian prosecutors accused Gershkovich of working for the CIA, charges that he, the WSJ, and the US vehemently deny.
This conviction is the first of a US journalist for espionage in Russia since the Cold War ended over 30 years ago. Both sides have 15 days to appeal the verdict.
“This disgraceful, sham conviction comes after Evan has spent 478 days in prison, wrongfully detained, away from his family and friends, prevented from reporting, all for doing his job as a journalist,” WSJ publisher Almar Latour and Editor in Chief Emma Tucker stated. “We will continue to do everything possible to press for Evan’s release and to support his family. Journalism is not a crime, and we will not rest until he’s released. This must end now.”
Washington accuses Russia of using Gershkovich as a bargaining chip for a potential prisoner swap. Discussions between the US and Russia regarding such an exchange are ongoing. Russian observers suggest a quick conviction may signal an imminent exchange, as a verdict is generally required for a swap.
In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at a possible exchange during an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, potentially referring to Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman serving a life sentence in Germany.
Gershkovich’s trial, which began last month, saw prosecutors requesting an 18-year sentence. However, the hearing was unexpectedly expedited, and the judge delivered the verdict late Friday.
Prosecutors alleged Gershkovich, 32, acted “under instructions from the CIA” to gather “secret information” about a tank factory in the Sverdlovsk region. Gershkovich has consistently denied the charges, with the WSJ denouncing the trial as a “shameful sham” and his detention an “outrage.”
