US authorities have demanded that Gershkovich be released immediately.
Editor of the Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich appeared in court in Moscow today for his appeal hearing.
The court heard Gershkovich’s appeal that he will have to wait for his trial in pretrial detention.
CNN says (you switch to another service), that Gershkovich begged to await trial at home instead of prison. The court rejected Gershkovich’s request.
BBC reporting on the matter write (you switch to another service)that Gershkovich did not comment on his situation to the journalists present, but flashed them a quick smile.
Gershkovich was arrested at the end of March in Russia while he was on a business trip in Yekaterinburg. It has been said that he was there to report on the mercenary company Wagner.
Gershkovich has been accused of spying for the United States and has denied the charges.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the court may decide to continue the journalist’s imprisonment in Lefortovo prison in Moscow, order a transfer to another prison, allow him to be placed under house arrest or release him on bail.
The United States has demanded that Russia release Gershkovich immediately.
Ambassador of the United States Lynne Tracy is present at today’s trial, according to CNN. According to the BBC, Tracy was able to meet Gershkovich, who she says is “staying strong”.
News updated throughout with fresh information on April 18, 2023 at 3:45 p.m.