Russian court to hold WSJ reporter’s espionage trial behind closed doors

Over a year into detention in Russia, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s trial in an espionage case will begin in secrecy on June 26, the WSJ reported, citing the Russian state media. The US is reportedly trying to get access to the trial and consular access to Gershkovich. 

Gershkovich, 32, a US citizen authorised to work in Russia, was detained in March last year on charges of “espionage” while he was on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg. Russia had alleged that the journalist had “collected information classified as a state secret” and had been “acting on US instruction”, BBC reported.  

Last week, Russian authorities reiterated their allegations and said that Gershkovich was gathering information about a defense contractor on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency. Gershkovich, the WSJ and the US government have denied these allegations.

Gershkovich is the first US journalist to be held on spying charges in decades. Those charged with espionage in Russia are subject to imprisonment for 20 years. In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that a prisoner swap for Gershkovich was possible, but there have been no reports of any progress.

Global press groups had earlier condemned Russia’s detention of the reporter, calling it unprecedented.

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