Russian Court Extends Evan Gershkovich's Pre-Trial Detention
Karen Townsend 1:30 PM | March 26, 2024
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is approaching the one-year mark of when he was arrested by Russia's Federal Security Service, (FSB) while on a reporting trip.
A Russian court extended his pre-trial detention by three months. A trial date has not been set. He is 32 years old now and was detained on March 29, 2023. He is being held in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison. He is charged with espionage.
What sets Evan's detention apart from other American citizens being held in Russia is that he is a reporter. He is the first reporter to be detained in Russia on an allegation of espionage since the end of the Cold War.
Evan, the Wall Street Journal, the State Department, and his family deny that Evan is a spy. He was accredited by Russia’s Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist when he was detained. Evan's court appearance was a closed hearing at the Moscow City Court. The FSB requested Evan remain behind bars as he awaits trial. He will be held until June 30 due to the latest ruling of the court.
Investigators are allowed up to a year in criminal cases that are deemed particularly complex to prepare for trial, according to Russian law. Extensions can be granted in exceptional circumstances.
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https://hotair.com/karen-townsend/2024/03/26/russian-court-extends-evan-gershkovichs-pre-trial-detention-n3785393
