Russia – November 28, 2023 (photo credit: The US Sun)
A Moscow court has decided to prolong the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained since March on charges of espionage. The court ruling, made on Tuesday, adds an additional two months to Gershkovich’s detention period, extending it through January 30th. The extension comes as the journalist awaits trial for the serious allegations brought against him.
Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested earlier this year on charges of collecting secrets related to the Russian military. Despite consistent denials of the allegations by Gershkovich, his employer, and the U.S. government, the Russian court has deemed it necessary to keep him in pre-trial detention.
The decision to extend the detention period raises concerns about the journalist’s well-being and the conditions under which he is being held. The specifics of the espionage charges against Gershkovich have yet to be fully disclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
The Wall Street Journal has reiterated its support for Gershkovich, expressing concern over the extension of his detention. The U.S. government, too, has maintained that the accusations are baseless and has called for Gershkovich’s release.
International human rights organizations and press freedom advocates have closely monitored Gershkovich’s case, expressing worries about the implications for journalists working in Russia. The extension of his pre-trial detention is likely to intensify calls for a fair and transparent trial, with concerns about potential political motivations behind the charges.
