Tajik Lawmaker Arrested for Alleged Government Overthrow Plot
U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Charges in Russia
On June 13, the Russian Prosecutor-General’s Office officially filed espionage charges against American journalist Evan Gershkovich and sent his case to the Sverdlovsk regional court for trial. The 32-year-old U.S. citizen, who works for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in March 2023 in Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip.
According to the Russian authorities, Gershkovich, at the request of the CIA, collected classified information related to the operations of the Uralvagonzavod industrial facility producing and repairing military equipment. However, both The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government have vehemently denied these allegations, stating that Gershkovich was simply performing his duties as a journalist when he was detained.
Dow Jones CEO and Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour and Editor in Chief Emma Tucker expressed their disappointment with Russia’s decision to proceed with a trial, calling it a “sham” and emphasizing that Gershkovich’s arrest was unjust. They urged for his immediate release and urged the U.S. government to intensify efforts to secure his freedom.
Meanwhile, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens informed Congress that Gershkovich’s trial would begin soon, and that he can appeal his detention once more before likely being transferred to Yekaterinburg by the end of June.
In addition to Gershkovich, another American citizen, Alsu Kurmasheva, an RFE/RL journalist, is also being held by Russian authorities on charges related to being a “foreign agent” and allegedly spreading falsehoods about the Russian military.
The situation of the detained Americans remains a concern, with analysts and officials suggesting that Russia may be using them as bargaining chips for potential prisoner exchanges. As discussions continue behind closed doors, the fate of Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, and others remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts persist to secure their release.
