The American journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared in court for the second time on Thursday in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The Wall Street Journal reporter is charged with espionage on unclear grounds and risks 20 years in prison. The likelihood of him being convicted is considered very high.
The 32-year-old journalist was arrested during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains in March 2023. The Russian authorities claimed without evidence that Gershkovich gathered secret information for the USA.
Both Gershkovich and his employer, as well as the American government, categorically deny the allegations against him.
"Evan has never been employed by the US government. Evan is no spy. Journalism is not a crime. And Evan should never have been arrested in the first place," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, in June.
Russia has signaled that a prisoner exchange with Gershkovich is possible, but has stated that the verdict must come first. Even after a verdict, it may take months or years before a prisoner exchange becomes a reality.
