Wall Street Journal Reporter Faces Russian Court Amid Espionage Allegations

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, is facing a second court hearing in Russia on alleged espionage charges. Despite strong denials from Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government, he risks up to 20 years in prison. The trial has been denounced as illegitimate by US officials.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is scheduled to appear in a Russian court on Thursday for the second hearing in his espionage trial. The 32-year-old journalist was detained in Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip, and his arrest has been heavily criticized by his employer and US officials.

The trial, held behind closed doors, follows his March 29, 2023 arrest. Russian authorities accused Gershkovich of gathering secret information for the US, but they have offered no evidence. White House national security spokesman John Kirby has vehemently denied the charges, calling the trial a sham.

If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison. There has been speculation about a potential prisoner swap involving Gershkovich, but a verdict must first be reached, which could take months.

(With inputs from agencies.)