American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Trial in Russia

The first known Western journalist to face espionage charges in post-Soviet Russia, Evan Gershkovich's trial is set to begin on Wednesday behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg. Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 while reporting in Yekaterinburg, with Russian authorities accusing him of gathering secret information for the CIA.

The trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges is scheduled to commence on Wednesday behind closed doors in the city of Yekaterinburg, Russia. Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 while reporting in the city, with Russian authorities alleging he was gathering secret information for the CIA, a claim he and his employer have vehemently denied.

"Evan Gershkovich is facing a false and baseless charge. ... The Russian regime's smearing of Evan is repugnant, disgusting and based on calculated and transparent lies. Journalism is not a crime," said Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour and chief editor Emma Tucker after the trial date was announced. "We had hoped to avoid this moment and now expect the U.S. government to redouble efforts to get Evan released."

American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Trial in Russia

Gershkovich is the first known Western journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in post-Soviet Russia. His trial date announcement has been met with concern, as he is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Russian courts have a high conviction rate, with prosecutors having the ability to appeal sentences deemed too lenient, including acquittals.

The journalist appeared in the courtroom on Wednesday morning in a glass cage, with his head shaven, according to The Associated Press. Gershkovich's appeals for release have been repeatedly rejected.

American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Trial in Russia

"Evan has displayed remarkable resilience and strength in the face of this grim situation," said U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy on the anniversary of Gershkovich's arrest.

The Russian Prosecutor General's office has accused Gershkovich of gathering secret information on orders from the CIA about Uralvagonzavod, a plant that produces and repairs military equipment about 90 miles north of Yekaterinburg. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison.

American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Trial in Russia

Another American detained in Russia, American corporate security executive Paul Whelan, was arrested in Moscow for espionage in 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence.

Gershkovich's arrest came about a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin pushed laws that raised concerns about the safety of journalism in the country, criminalizing criticism of the war against Ukraine and statements viewed by officials as discrediting the military. Foreign journalists largely left the country after the laws were passed, but many gradually moved back in subsequent months, with concerns remaining about potential retaliation by Russian authorities.

American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Faces Espionage Trial in Russia

Several Western reporters have been forced to leave following Gershkovich's arrest due to Russia's refusal to renew their visas.

After Gershkovich's arrest, some experts feared that Russia was targeting Americans amid tensions with the U.S. Russia has hinted at the possibility of a prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich in the future, but such a swap cannot be negotiated until a verdict is reached in his case. Putin has suggested interest in freeing Vadim Krasikov, a Russian imprisoned in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen rebel leader.

In 2022, Russia and the U.S. worked out a swap that released WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was serving a 9 1/2-year sentence for cannabis possession in Russia, in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as "the Merchant of Death."

The Biden administration would likely face pressure to negotiate a favorable deal for Gershkovich, wary of being perceived as giving away too much after criticism over the Bout-Griner swap.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.