US reporter Evan Gershkovich has been sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian court on charges of “espionage.” This verdict has been widely condemned as “despicable,” “disgraceful,” and a “sham” by Western governments and his employer, the Wall Street Journal.
Gershkovich, who was arrested in March 2023 during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, was sentenced after just three court sessions in a closed-door trial.
US President Joe Biden condemned the sentencing, asserting that Gershkovich was targeted because he is a journalist and an American. Biden reiterated that efforts to secure Gershkovich’s release are ongoing.
Both the US and Russian governments have indicated that negotiations for a prisoner swap are in progress, with Russia’s policy being to trade individuals only after they have been convicted. Gershkovich’s sentence might therefore facilitate his inclusion in a potential exchange deal.
Former US President Donald Trump criticized Biden’s handling of the situation and claimed he could secure Gershkovich’s release immediately if re-elected.
Gershkovich, who pleaded not guilty, stood silently as the sentence was delivered, and was later taken to a “strict regime colony,” known for its harsh conditions.
The Wall Street Journal decried the conviction as a “disgraceful, sham” and emphasized Gershkovich’s wrongful detention. Gershkovich’s trial moved swiftly, in contrast to other similar cases in Russia which have taken much longer.
International reactions were strong, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the sentencing “despicable,” and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock labeling it “politically motivated.” The United Nations also expressed serious concerns about the case.
Russian authorities have provided no public evidence for the espionage charges, claiming Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” while spying on a tank factory. The Kremlin has hinted at possible negotiations for a prisoner swap but has provided no specifics.
Among other Americans detained in Russia are Alsu Kurmasheva, Ksenia Karelina, and former US Marine Paul Whelan, who is also serving a 16-year sentence for spying. The White House has advised US citizens still in Russia to leave immediately due to the risk of wrongful arrest.
Gershkovich, the US-born son of Soviet emigres, had been reporting from Russia since 2017 and continued his work despite the risks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He remained hopeful, communicating with friends and family through handwritten letters during his detention.