Trial of American Journalist Detained in Russia Begins 'Behind Closed Doors'

The trial of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist detained in Russia, began behind closed doors on Wednesday, July 6, in the city of Yekaterinburg. This Wall Street Journal journalist is being tried on charges of espionage and could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Russian prosecutors claim that Gershkovich collected classified information at the direction of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) regarding a tank manufacturing company for Russia's war in Ukraine. Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal, and the U.S. government all deny the allegations, stating that he was merely performing his duties as a journalist accredited by the State Department to operate in Russia. However, Tucker, the editor of the Wall Street Journal, wrote in a letter to readers, 'This false espionage charge will inevitably lead to a fabricated conviction of an innocent man.' The U.S. Embassy also criticized the court proceedings, stating that the Kremlin is using American citizens to achieve its political goals. The Kremlin declined to comment on the start of the trial. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, previously deemed the charges against the American journalist baseless, stating, 'It has been clear to us from the beginning that Evan has done nothing wrong. He should not have been detained at all... Journalism is not a crime. The charges against him are lies, and the Russian government knows this. He should be released immediately.' The first court session was held behind closed doors without the presence of journalists. The next session is scheduled for August 14, indicating a lengthy judicial process. Meanwhile, a court in Russia has extended the detention of two other journalists. These two Russian journalists were detained on charges of participating in activities of an organization established by the late Kremlin opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died under suspicious circumstances in prison. The Moscow court announced on Tuesday that the detention of Konstantin Gabov, a freelance journalist who previously worked for Reuters, and Sergei Karlin, who had previously collaborated with the Associated Press, has been extended until late September. Gabov and Karlin are accused of producing content for a YouTube channel called 'Navalny Live,' which is run by Navalny's allies. If convicted, they could face a sentence of six years in prison. Reuters criticized the extension of Gabov's detention, while the Associated Press has not yet commented on Karlin. Russian media report on the trial of the detained American journalist 'behind closed doors.' Russia announced the finalization of the indictment against the imprisoned American journalist and the location of his trial. The President of the United States, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, called for the release of all imprisoned journalists worldwide. Russia has extended the detention of the American journalist from Radio Free Europe for the third time. The Kremlin stated that 'complete silence' is needed regarding a potential exchange of the imprisoned American journalist. The detention of Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist, has been extended for another three months in Russia. Russia has also extended the detention of the American journalist from Radio Free Europe for another two months.