WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in Russian penal colony
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A Russian court has ordered that Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich be imprisoned for 16 years in a high-security penal colony on fictitious charges of "espionage", as stated by the Russian state-run propaganda outlet RIA Novosti on July 19.
Prosecutor Mikael Ozdoev claimed that he wanted an 18-year sentence for Gershkovich.
The Lefortovo Court in Moscow issued a warrant for his arrest on March 30, 2023. Russian intelligence agencies claimed that the journalist was gathering information about a Russian defense enterprise for the United States. He was then kidnapped by regime security forces in Yekaterinburg while visiting the city with publicist Yaroslav Shirshikov, who stated that Gershkovich was working on a report about Russia's Wagner militia and Russia's war against Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal has vehemently denied Russia's lies about Gershkovich's so-called charges, demanding his immediate release.
The United States has acknowledged that Gershkovich's arrest is unlawful, enabling the state to negotiate on his behalf. His case is now being managed by the State Department unit typically responsible for hostage negotiations.
According to Bloomberg, the arrest was personally approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin suggested that Russia might be open to exchanging Gershkovich for Vadim Krasikov, a convicted murderer and former FSB officer.
The Moscow City Court extended Gershkovich's detention for another three months on March 26.
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