Russian court rejects appeal of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest

A Russian judge on Tuesday upheld the pre-trial detention of jailed American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on spying charges as part of a Kremlin crackdown on dissent during the war in Ukraine. He and the US government deny the allegations.

Reporters and supporters in Moscow City Court got their first glimpse in weeks of a Wall Street Journal reporter, who became the first US correspondent since the Cold War to be detained in Russia on charges of spying. Dressed in pale blue jeans and a plaid shirt, the 31-year-old journalist appeared calm and occasionally smiled as she stood inside a glass cage to appeal her detention.

Russia’s Federal Security Service detained a 31-year-old man in Yekaterinburg on March 29 and accused him of trying to find classified information about a Russian arms factory.

Gershkovich, his employer and the US government all denied he was involved in spying and called for his release.

A judge at the Moscow City Court rejected the journalist’s appeal against his detention on Tuesday, ruling that he must remain in prison until at least May 29.

Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Russian lawyers have said past investigations into espionage cases have taken a year to 18 months, during which time they have been cut off from contact with the outside world.

He has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, which dates back to the czarist era and has been a terrifying symbol of repression since the Soviet era.

LISTENING | Gershkovich’s best friend spoke about the journalist’s arrest:

The US Ambassador visited Gershkovich

The US has pressured Moscow to grant consular access to Gershkovich. On Monday, US Ambassador Lynne Tracy said she visited Gershkovich in prison for the first time since his arrest. Tracy said on Twitter that “he is healthy and staying strong,” reiterating US calls for his immediate release.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Greshkovich’s parents last week and again condemned his arrest.

“We’re making it really clear that it’s totally illegal what’s happening, and we’re announcing it,” he said.

WATCH | Kremlin critic Bill Browder praised Kara-Murza’s principles, courage:

Last week, the US government declared Gershkovich “wrongfully detained,” a designation that means certain State Department offices are taking the lead in seeking his release.

Kremlin attacks opposition, journalists

The arrests come at a time of heightened tensions between the West and Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine and as the Kremlin steps up its crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and civil society groups.

Such a sweeping campaign of repression has not been seen since Soviet times. Activists say that often means the profession of journalism is criminalized, along with the activities of ordinary Russians who oppose the war.

Last month, a Russian court convicted a father of social media posts critical of the war and sentenced him to two years in prison. On Monday, a Russian court sentenced top opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr. for treason for publicly declaring war and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

In December, American basketball star Brittney Griner was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout after a trial and conviction on drug possession charges. He was sentenced to nine years in prison and ended up spending 10 months behind bars.

WATCH | David Whelan told the CBC his brother is struggling to face long prison terms:

Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, who also holds a Canadian passport, has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges, which his family and the US government say are baseless.

During the Griner case, the Kremlin repeatedly urged the United States to use “special channels” between the country’s security agencies to work out a potential prisoner swap, saying such private communications were the appropriate way for a resolution.