Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich Sentenced to 16 Years in Russia for Espionage
Subheadline
A Russian court has convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and sentenced him to 16 years in prison on charges of espionage.
Background
Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in Russia in March 2023 while working as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. He was accused of collecting classified information about Russia's defense industry and passing it to foreign intelligence services.
Gershkovich's arrest sparked international condemnation, with the United States calling it a "complete outrage." The White House said that Gershkovich was "a respected journalist who was simply doing his job."
Trial and Conviction
Gershkovich's trial began in June 2024. The prosecution presented evidence that he had met with Russian officials and obtained classified documents. Gershkovich's defense attorneys argued that he was a journalist exercising his right to gather information.
On July 18, 2024, a Russian court sentenced Gershkovich to 16 years in prison. The court found him guilty of espionage and passing classified information to foreign intelligence services.
Reaction
Gershkovich's conviction has been met with widespread condemnation. The United States has called it a "travesty of justice" and has demanded his immediate release. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called the sentence "a grave blow to press freedom in Russia."
Gershkovich's family and friends have expressed their support for him and said that they will continue to fight for his release.
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