Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, was covering stories in Russia when he was detained and accused of spying on March 29, 2023. He is the first American journalist to be detained in Russia on espionage charges since the Cold War. On Monday April 10, 2023 the U.S. State Department designated Gershkovich as wrongfully detained and are calling for his immediate release. 

The charges that Gershkovich faces are very serious, and if found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. The U.S. government is working to bring Gershkovich home. The Wall Street Journal as well as the US government deny all the charges and allegations made against Gershkovich. “Evan is a member of the free press who right up until he was arrested was engaged in newsgathering. Any suggestions otherwise are false,” the Journal has said. At this point he has been denied the ability to meet with American consular officials from the local embassy which is a significant issue. 

The only information made available about Gershkovich came from his lawyers who have said he is in good health and is very grateful for all the support he has received. Many view his detainment as a Russian attack on free press and are outraged by this injustice.

Most recently Gershkovich had an appeal hearing, but unfortunately the judge denied his appeal. The judge decided that he must remain in jail until at least May 29, 2023. He is being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison which has been in use since the czarist era.

Gershkovich’s arrest is one of many that has occurred in Russia to people who oppose the war. Recently a father was sentenced to two years in prison for a social media post that criticized the war and top opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr. was sentenced to 25 years in prison for publicly denouncing the war. These convictions are Russia’s way of silencing any and all people who oppose the war.

A Russian diplomat said in recent weeks that Russia would be willing to discuss a potential prisoner swap after Gershkovich goes to trial. This could mean that Gershkovich could still have a long road to freedom ahead of him.

To learn more about Evan Gershkovich and keep up with updates about his detainment visit: https://www.wsj.com/news/evan-gershkovich