International Courant
American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been discovered responsible of espionage by a Russian courtroom and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security penal colony, after a secret trial that was denounced as a “sham” by his employer, his household and the White Home.
The Wall Avenue Journal (WSJ) reporter was first arrested by safety companies in March whereas on a reporting journey to town of Yekaterinburg, about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) east of Moscow.
Prosecutors accused him of working for the Central Intelligence Company (CIA). These allegations are strongly denied by Gershkovich, the WSJ and the US.
It’s the first time because the finish of the Chilly Warfare greater than 30 years in the past that an American journalist has been convicted of espionage in Russia.
Each side within the case have 15 days to attraction the decision, the choose stated.
“This shameful, sham sentencing comes after Evan spent 478 days in jail, wrongfully detained, separated from his household and pals, and prevented from reporting, all as a result of he was doing his job as a journalist,” Wall Avenue Journal writer Almar Latour and editor in chief Emma Tucker stated in an announcement.
“We’ll proceed to do all the pieces we are able to to advocate for Evans’ launch and to assist his household.
“Journalism is just not against the law, and we won’t relaxation till he’s launched. This should cease now.”
Washington accuses Russia of utilizing Gershkovich as a bargaining chip in a doable prisoner swap with Russian residents in overseas prisons.
However Moscow is aware of that the US is prepared to make a barter to free its personal residents. The 2 international locations are recognized to have mentioned such a swap.
Russian observers say a fast conviction may imply an alternate is imminent. Underneath Russian authorized apply, an alternate normally requires a verdict to have already been handed.
The trial started final month, with the ultimate two days of the trial initially scheduled for August. Prosecutors had sought an 18-year jail sentence.
However in an sudden transfer, the listening to was moved as much as Thursday, and the choose made his ruling late Friday afternoon.
In an indictment, prosecutors accused Gershkovich, 32, of appearing “on behalf of the CIA” to collect “labeled info” a few tank-making plant within the Sverdlovsk area.
The reporter has constantly denied the allegations, and the WSJ in an announcement on Thursday known as the trial a “disgraceful sham” and his arrest a “scandal.”
American journalist Evan Gershkovich jailed for espionage
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