Wall Street Journal denounces the extension of journalist's pre-trial detention in Russia
The Wall Street Journal said Thursday that the decision by a Moscow court to extend the pre-trial detention of journalist Evan Gershkovich by another three months was "deeply disappointing."
“Today, our colleague and distinguished journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared for a pre-trial hearing where his improper detention was extended yet again,” the newspaper said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed he continues to be arbitrarily and wrongfully detained for doing his job as a journalist."
Gershkovich’s lawyers will appeal the court’s decision, according to WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker and publisher Almar Latour.
“It’s also a reminder of the fight we’re in as Evan has now been wrongfully detained for five months—a horrific and sobering milestone in our efforts to free him,” they said, according to the statement.
Some background: Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March following his arrest on charges that he, the WSJ and the US government vehemently deny.
His arrest was the first detention of an American reporter in Russia on allegations of spying since the Cold War, rattling White House officials and further straining ties between Moscow and Washington.
The detention of Gershkovich and other Americans during Russia's war in Ukraine have raised concerns that Moscow could use the detainees as pawns in the broader geopolitics surrounding the conflict.
US President Joe Biden has said he is "serious" about exploring a potential prisoner exchange to free the journalist.
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