Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was ‘wrongly’ detained in Russia
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described US journalist Evan Gershkovich as being “wrongfully” detained in Russia, US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said in a statement, the German News Agency (dpa) reported.
“Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued suppression of freedom of expression in Russia and its ongoing war on the truth,” Patel said.
Gershkovich, who worked for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested on suspicion of espionage. He was arrested in March by the Russian FSB intelligence service in Yekaterinburg.
Following that, Gershkovich’s case was referred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
Blinken previously said “there is no doubt that (Gershkovich) was wrongfully detained by the Russians”.
While in custody, Gershkovich was writing a report on residents’ attitudes toward Wagner’s attempted recruitment of private soldiers, according to media reports.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine 13 months ago, Moscow has significantly restricted free speech and press freedom in the country.
Gershkovich will be held until May 29 and if convicted could face up to 20 years in prison.
The case added to the tension in relations between Moscow and Washington.
Washington is also seeking the release of Paul Whelan, another US citizen imprisoned in Russia in 2018.
