UN Experts Demand Immediate Release of Jailed Journalist Evan Gershkovich

UN human rights experts have urged Russia to release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, claiming his imprisonment violates international law. They argue the espionage charges against him lack factual basis and are discriminatory due to his U.S. nationality.

UN human rights experts have called for the immediate release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, asserting that his imprisonment by Russia contravenes international law. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention highlighted the lack of substantial evidence for the espionage charges against Gershkovich, 32, labeling them as discriminatory based on his U.S. nationality.

Commencing its trial behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, the UN group posited that the detention was arbitrary and no trial should proceed. The UN panel's opinion, made public recently, urges immediate release and compensation for Gershkovich. However, the group lacks the authority to compel Russia to act.

Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour endorsed the UN findings, denouncing the detention as a violation of Gershkovich's rights. Gershkovich faces severe legal repercussions if convicted, though a prisoner swap may be on the horizon. The U.S. government continues to advocate fervently for his release.

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