U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich to Face Espionage Trial in Russia

Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. journalist for The Wall Street Journal, arrested in Russia last year on espionage charges, will face trial, as per Russian prosecutors. Gershkovich was detained in Yekaterinburg in March 2023, marking the first espionage accusation against an American journalist in Russia since the Cold War. Both The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. State Department deny the claims, with Russia presenting no evidence. Despite these denials, Russian prosecutors approved the indictment, alleging Gershkovich collected secret information on a Russian tank factory. His appeal was denied in February, and a second appeal in April. If convicted, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison. The date for his trial remains unspecified.