UN Experts Call Detention of American Journalist from Wall Street Journal by Russia 'Violation of International Law'

A panel of UN experts stated on Tuesday, July 3, that the detention of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist imprisoned in Russia, is 'arbitrary' and a 'violation of his human rights.' The Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested in late March 2023 in Yekaterinburg, about two thousand kilometers east of Moscow, while on a reporting trip under the accusation of 'espionage' and has been in custody since then. Russian prosecutors claim that the 32-year-old Gershkovich collected classified information at the direction of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) regarding a tank manufacturing company for Russia's war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has not provided any evidence for the espionage charges and has only stated that he was detained while 'committing a crime.' Gershkovich's trial began last week behind closed doors. The US government has repeatedly called for his immediate release. The UN special panel on arbitrary detentions concluded that 'the deprivation of Evan Gershkovich's liberty is contrary to Articles 2, 7, 10, 11, and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is considered arbitrary.' This five-member group has contacted Moscow officials for information regarding the reasons for the detention of this American journalist but has not received a response. The group stated that Gershkovich's American citizenship was a factor in his detention, making his case 'discriminatory.' Matthew Gilett, the head of the group, said their opinion is in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted in 1966, which has been recognized by nearly all UN member states. Members of the UN special panel stated that considering the circumstances of the case, the appropriate solution is 'the immediate release' of Evan Gershkovich and granting the right to seek compensation with enforceable guarantees in accordance with international law. If Gershkovich is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison, which many believe is a certainty, as Russian courts convict over 99% of defendants. However, Russia has so far shown signs of a prisoner exchange with the United States that would include Evan Gershkovich, but it says a verdict must be issued first, which could take several months. Russia has extended the detention of the dual-national American-Russian journalist. Biden on the anniversary of the detention of an American journalist by Russia: Journalism is not a crime. The detention order for Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist, has been extended for another three months. Russia has also extended the detention of an American journalist from Radio Free Europe for another two months. A court in Russia has extended the detention of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist. Putin has repeated false claims against Americans detained in Russia.