Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich Sentenced in Russia on Espionage Charges

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a Russian maximum-security prison. The US government and his employer have rejected the charges as fabricated. His conviction has prompted discussions on a potential prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted Friday of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison on charges that his employer and the US government have rejected as fabricated.

The swift conclusion of the secretive trial in Russia's highly politicized legal system could potentially clear the way for a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.

US President Joe Biden said after the conviction that Gershkovich "was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American," and committed to continuing efforts to secure his release.

(With inputs from agencies.)