US journalist imprisoned in Russia fails to overturn detention on spy charge.

U.S. Reporter Evan Gershkovich Loses Appeal Against Pre-Trial Detention on Espionage Charges

MOSCOW—In a Moscow court on Thursday, U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich faced another setback as his latest appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage was denied. Gershkovich vehemently denies the accusations.

“Although the outcome was expected, it is no less an outrage that his detention continues to be upheld,” the Wall Street Journal said in a statement.

The U.S. ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, condemned Russia’s actions, referring to it as “hostage diplomacy.” She expressed her disappointment after the judge rejected the application for Gershkovich’s release from Moscow’s Lefortovo prison. If convicted, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in jail.

Support from Family and Journalists

Gershkovich appeared in court wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt, smiling at reporters from inside a glass box. His parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1979, were present in court to show their support.

The judge’s decision did not come as a surprise, as a previous request from Gershkovich’s lawyers in April for house arrest, movement restrictions, or bail had also been denied.

Unwavering Determination

Despite the setbacks, Gershkovich’s resilience remains unwavering. The Wall Street Journal praised his strength and determination in a statement.

Russia’s claim that Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” attempting to obtain military secrets during a trip to Yekaterinburg has been vehemently denied by the newspaper. The Kremlin has provided no evidence to support their assertion.

International Outrage

Ambassador Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom, expressed her extreme disappointment with the decision. She reiterated the U.S. stance that the charges against Gershkovich were baseless and emphasized that he is an innocent journalist wrongfully detained.

Russia has previously engaged in high-profile prisoner exchanges with the United States. However, Moscow has stated that no exchange can occur until a verdict is reached in Gershkovich’s case. The trial date has not yet been set.

With tensions between Russia and the United States at their lowest point in over 60 years due to the conflict in Ukraine, Ambassador Tracy demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a former U.S. marine also detained in Russia on spying charges.

He too is designated by Washington as wrongfully detained, a term that means the United States considers the verdicts to be bogus and politically motivated.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a just resolution.

(Writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Mark Heinrich)