US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been sentenced to 16 years in a Russian high-security penal colony after being found guilty of espionage in a trial deemed a “sham” by many. The Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested last March while on assignment in Yekaterinburg, accused of working for the CIA, a claim vehemently denied by Gershkovich, WSJ, and the US.
His conviction marks the first of a US journalist for espionage in Russia since the Cold War. Despite the verdict, both sides have 15 days to appeal. WSJ’s publisher and Editor in Chief condemned the verdict, emphasizing journalism is not a crime and vowing to continue fighting for Gershkovich’s release.
Washington accuses Russia of using Gershkovich as a bargaining chip for a possible prisoner exchange, a tactic where both countries have engaged in the past. Observers speculate an imminent swap due to the quick trial and sentencing. Prosecutors alleged Gershkovich collected secret information on a tank factory under CIA orders, which he denies.