Appeal in the Gershkovich case: Little chance

US reporter Evan Gershkovich is appealing his detention today. But it is unlikely that he will be successful – because Russia probably has other plans.

The spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that she had no understanding for the “hype from Western media and US authorities” surrounding Evan Gershkovich.

“The accusations now being made by our secret services do not relate to his journalistic activities, but to activities that are not journalism,” she says. For Maria Zakharova, even without a legal investigation of the case, it is clear that the correspondent of the “Wall Street Journal” spied under the guise of journalism.

case “top secret”

After all, according to the official standard reason for inquiries, the 31-year-old was caught red-handed. Where and under what circumstances remains an open question. The case has been classified as “top secret”.

The Russian state media only said that he had spied for the US government: “According to the intelligence services, he acted on instructions from the American side and collected information about the activities of one of the defense companies that fall under state secrets.”

“Prisoner exchange not excluded”

The Moscow-based journalist was arrested in Yekaterinburg at the end of March and taken to Moscow. A court ordered him held in custody until the end of May – a decision that Gershkovich’s lawyers are now appealing.

It is unlikely that they will be successful. On the one hand, because in the meantime charges of espionage have been filed. On the other hand, because people have obviously been thinking and planning ahead for a long time.

In principle, explained Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, an exchange of prisoners cannot be ruled out. However, it can only be considered if there is a court decision. I mean: a process. And a conviction.

First time access by US diplomats

The reporter, who categorically denies all allegations, faces up to 20 years in prison. The US ambassador in Moscow tweeted yesterday that he is holding up bravely and feeling well. It was the first time US diplomats had been granted access to it.

The ambassador once again appealed to the authorities to release the correspondent immediately. So far, however, all international appeals, all references to journalism not being a crime, have gone unheeded.

Punishments like in Stalin times

Just like in other cases. For example, with the Russian journalist Ivan Safronov, who was sentenced to 22 years in a prison camp for high treason.

The penalties currently imposed by Russian courts are draconian. Punishments that human rights activists like Memorial’s Oleg Orlov compare to those of the Stalin era. “They have shed all shame,” says Orlow. “They do what they want. They openly show that there are no more laws. The law is arbitrary.”

Sad climax of development

The sad highlight is yesterday’s verdict against the journalist and opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa, who was sentenced to 25 years in a prison camp under difficult conditions. Among other things, because of high treason. This process also took place behind closed doors. His lawyers will also appeal.

However, nobody has any hope that this will change anything in this case or in the Gershkovich case.