It is the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union that an American journalist has been accused of espionage in Russia.
The United States demands that Russia immediately release an American journalist accused of espionage by Evan Gershkovich.
Foreign minister by Antony Blinken Gershkovich has been arrested on false grounds, says a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vedant Patel.
– Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued suppression of independent actors in Russia and its ongoing war against the truth, Patel says in the press release.
Patel added that the government will provide all necessary support to Gershkovich and his family.
Gershkovich was arrested in late March in the city of Yekaterinburg, located about 1,800 kilometers east of Moscow.
Russian news agencies reported on Friday that Gershkovich is accused of espionage. He has denied the espionage charges. It is the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union that an American journalist has been accused of spying in Russia.
Gershkovich has worked in Russia as a Wall Street Journal correspondent. Both the paper and the reporter have denied the spying allegations, and the White House has called the charge ridiculous.
The US State Department said Russia announced over the weekend that it had officially arrested Gershkovich, but has not yet allowed US diplomats to meet with him.
– This is against their obligations, Patel told reporters earlier on Monday.
The United States and Russia exchanged prisoners in December
Gershkovich’s case begins to be handled in the United States by a special envoy in charge of hostage issues Roger Carstens. A hostage negotiator helped a basketball player captured in Russia at the end of last year by Brittney Griner in liberation.
In August, Griner received a nine-year prison sentence in Russia for drug smuggling and possession. Griner was arrested in February of last year when e-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in his luggage.
In exchange for Griner’s release, the United States released the arms dealer Viktor Butinwho served a 25-year prison sentence in the United States.
On Monday, the US State Department reiterated its demand that Russia release the former marine soldier it detained on false grounds by Paul Whelan. Whelan, also accused of espionage, is currently serving a 16-year sentence in a Russian prison. He has denied the charge.
Sources: AFP, Reuters