Beloved Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's "sham" trial in Russia on espionage charges began Wednesday, with his family and employer demanding his immediate release. The 32-year-old American has been detained in Russia for over a year, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Evan Gershkovich's trial in Russia began behind closed doors on Wednesday, with the American reporter facing espionage charges and a potential 20-year prison sentence.
Gershkovich, 32, has been detained in Russia since March 2023, accused of "gathering secret information" for the CIA. The United States government and The Wall Street Journal have both called the charges ridiculous.
Evan Gershkovich's Trial in Russia Begins Behind Closed Doors
The American-born son of Soviet immigrants, Gershkovich was accredited by the Russian government to report in the country at the time of his arrest.
On Wednesday morning, Gershkovich appeared in the courtroom in a glass cage, with his head shaven, according to The Associated Press.
Evan Gershkovich's Trial in Russia Begins Behind Closed Doors
His trial is being held in the city of Yekaterinburg, where he was arrested last year during a reporting trip.
Russian courts convict more than 99% of defendants, and prosecutors can appeal sentences that they believe to be light. Prosecutors can even appeal acquittals.
Evan Gershkovich's Trial in Russia Begins Behind Closed Doors
Gershkovich is the first American journalist to be arrested on spying allegations since the Cold War. The case has further strained relations between the U.S. and Russia.
In the past year, Gershkovich has been on the cover of TIME Magazine and mentioned in the State of the Union address by President Biden.
Evan Gershkovich's Trial in Russia Begins Behind Closed Doors
Biden has personally called repeatedly for Gershkovich's release to no avail, and the journalist has continually lost appeals to end his pretrial detention.
Experts and people familiar with the case have told Fox News Digital the best hope of freedom for Gershkovich is a high-profile prisoner swap.
Russia has suggested a prisoner exchange for Gershkovich could potentially happen in the future, but such a swap is not likely until a verdict is reached in his case.
Anyone interested in learning more about Gershkovich can visit WSJ.com/evan and FreeGershkovich.com.
