Status: 04/18/2023 2:26 p.m
The US reporter Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia, must remain in custody. A court in Moscow rejected his appeal against his detention. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
US journalist Evan Gershkovich has failed to appeal his detention in Russia. A court in Moscow rejected the application. It thus confirmed the detention initially scheduled until May 29, as reported by the Interfax news agency.
The Wall Street Journal journalist was the first US correspondent to be arrested in Russia since the Cold War on espionage charges.
Gershkovich faces 20 years in prison
Gershkovich and the US government deny the allegations. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. According to Russian lawyers, similar investigations lasted one to one and a half years. During this time, his contact with the outside world could be severely restricted.
The Russian domestic secret service FSB arrested the 31-year-old on March 29 in Yekaterinburg. He is accused of trying to get secret information about a Russian arms factory. Gershkovich, his employer and the US government deny he was involved in espionage and are calling for his release.
US Government: Wrongly Imprisoned American
US Ambassador Lynne Tracy visited him in prison on Monday. She then explained that the journalist was in good health. She was present in the courtroom today.
Last week, the US government classified Gershkovich as a wrongly imprisoned American. This means that a specialized office of the State Department is taking the lead in the effort to get him released.
A senior Russian diplomat also said last week that Russia may be willing to talk to the US about a possible prisoner swap with Gershkovich after his trial. This means that an exchange is not to be expected in the foreseeable future.
Appeal dismissed: US correspondent Evan Gershkovich remains in custody
Frank Aischmann, ARD Moscow, April 18, 2023 2:40 p.m