In a closed trial with secret evidence, a Russian court on Friday convicted American journalist Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum-security penal colony. The U.S. government has called the charges wholly fabricated.

Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was the first American journalist arrested in Russia since the Cold War. His arrest in March 2023 marked a troubling escalation in what has been described as hostage diplomacy by the Kremlin, wherein foreigners are detained on minor or baseless charges to be used in prisoner exchanges.

Swift Trial Suggests Possible Prisoner Exchange

The trial proceeded with unusual swiftness, indicating potential developments in negotiations for a prisoner exchange. Espionage trials in Russia typically take months, but senior Russian and U.S. officials have suggested talks about an exchange involving Gershkovich are underway.

Secrecy and Lack of Public Scrutiny

The trial’s secrecy means the evidence against Gershkovich faced no public scrutiny and may never be disclosed. The prosecution had requested an 18-year prison term, close to the 20-year maximum.

Presidential Statement and International Reaction

President Biden issued a statement condemning Gershkovich’s sentencing, calling it an act of hostage-taking. “We are pushing hard for Evan’s release and will continue to do so,” Biden said, describing Gershkovich as a “hostage.”

In Russia’s politicized legal system, where courts routinely jail journalists, democracy advocates, and political opponents, Gershkovich’s conviction was seen as inevitable. Nonetheless, supporters expressed shock at the harsh sentence.

Russia has just sentenced an innocent man to 16 years in a high-security prison,” Pjotr Sauer, a correspondent for The Guardian and a close friend of Gershkovich, posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Wall Street Journal’s publisher, Almar Latour, and editor-in-chief, Emma Tucker, called the conviction a disgrace and vowed to continue pressing for Gershkovich’s release.

Closed Courtroom and Immediate Arrest

Video from the Russian news outlet Vedemosti showed the judge reading the judgment as Gershkovich stood in a glass box, his head shaven. Journalists were only allowed in at the beginning and end of the trial.

Gershkovich, his employer, and the State Department have denied accusations that he was working for the CIA. Gershkovich, accredited by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, was detained during a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg and accused of spying. He pleaded not guilty.

Prospects for an Exchange

A conviction could open the possibility of Gershkovich’s release if the U.S. and Russia reach an exchange deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated the hearing was closed due to the sensitive nature of the case.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has criticized the case as politically motivated, aimed at using American citizens to achieve Kremlin objectives. High-profile Russian officials denounced Gershkovich immediately after his arrest, claiming without evidence that he had been caught spying.

Possible Exchange for Russian Assassin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hinted at an exchange involving Gershkovich, possibly for Vadim Krasikov, a Russian assassin associated with Russia’s Federal Security Service, convicted of murder in Germany.

Gershkovich’s case may further chill the work of foreign journalists in Russia. Many media organizations pulled their correspondents out after his arrest.

Background and Personal Story

Gershkovich, the son of Soviet-era émigrés, moved to Russia in 2017, falling in love with the country. He worked for The Moscow Times and Agence France-Presse before joining The Wall Street Journal in 2022. Friends describe him as open, friendly, and passionate about reporting.

Since his arrest, The Wall Street Journal has run a campaign to keep his story public, promoting the hashtag #FreeEvan and running events to highlight his love for cooking and entertaining friends.

Call for Public Support and Action

The United Nations’ Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions called on Russia to release Gershkovich without a trial and compensate him, deeming his arrest arbitrary and aimed at punishing his reporting on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

President Biden emphasized that securing Gershkovich’s release remains a top priority for his administration.

Conclusion

As the world reacts to this significant development, the focus now shifts to potential diplomatic efforts to secure Gershkovich’s release. The case underscores the precarious situation for journalists operating in politically charged environments and the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

More from: Europe · Ukraine - Russia War