“WSJ” reporter will be tried for espionage in Russia

American journalist Evan Gershkovich will be tried for espionage in Russia. The information was released this Thursday (June 13, 2024) by the Russian Attorney General’s Office.

Gershkovich, who was a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, was accused of collecting information about a weapons factory for the CIA, the American intelligence service. The prosecutor general’s office stated that the criminal case was referred to the Sverdlovsk Regional Court.

“[Gershkovich] collected secret information in the Sverdlovsk region about the activities of the defense company JSC NPK Uralvagonzavod for the production and repair of military equipment”said in a statement on Telegram.

O Wall Street Journal classified the accusations as an attack on journalism. “The Russian regime’s defamation of Evan is disgusting, repugnant and based on calculated and transparent lies. Journalism is not a crime. Evan’s case is an attack on press freedom.”states the newspaper.

Gershkovich has been detained since March 2023. The preliminary investigation into the case had been carried out by the Russian FSB (Federal Security Service).

After the start of the war with Ukraine, the Russian government created legislation that prevents journalists from disclosing information that the Kremlin wishes to keep secret about the conflict. If convicted, the journalist could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.