Russia threatens captive US journalist Evan Gershkovich
Evan Hershkovich (Photo:REUTERS/Yevhenia Novozhenina)
Detained
U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich will face “consequences” if his employer,
the Wall Street Journal, continues to publish "disinformation about
Russia," an “informed source” in Moscow told Russian news agency RIA
Novosti on May 26.
"If the Wall Street Journal continues to engage in activities not related to journalism, publishing disinformation about Russia, it would mean that the editorial board is not at all concerned with the fate of Gershkovich," the agency quotes its source.
A few days ago, a court in Moscow extended the arrest of journalist Gershkovich for another three months, until August 30. He is being held in a pre-trial detention center, on alleged espionage charges.
After Gershkovich's arrest, the Wall Street Journal denied Russia's accusations against the reporter. The newspaper demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich and also asked to expel the Russian ambassador and all Russian journalists from the United States.
The Lefortovo Court in Moscow arrested Evan Gershkovich on March 30. Russian security services claim that he collected information on a state defense enterprise "at the request of the United States."
He was detained in Yekaterinburg, accompanied by publicist Yaroslav Shirshikov, who said that Gershkovich was preparing a report on Wagner PMC and the war in Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal rejects the Russian regime's allegations and demands the immediate release of the journalist.
The United States recognized Gershkovich's arrest as unlawful, allowing the state to negotiate on his behalf. His case will be handled by the State Department unit that typically handles hostage negotiations.
According to Bloomberg, the arrest of the journalist was personally approved by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
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