Espionage Trial of WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich Continues Behind Closed Doors

The espionage trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich resumed on Thursday behind closed doors, according to Russia's Interfax news agency. Witness testimony was being heard during the session, as stated by a court spokesperson.

Gershkovich, a 32-year-old American journalist, denies the charges of espionage, which could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege that he gathered secret information for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency about a company manufacturing tanks for Russia's war in Ukraine. He was arrested on March 29, 2023, by FSB officers at a steakhouse in Yekaterinburg and has been detained in Moscow's Lefortovo prison since then.

Both Gershkovich's newspaper and the U.S. government reject these allegations, claiming he was simply performing his duties as a reporter accredited by the Foreign Ministry to work in Russia. The court had initially planned to resume the trial in August, but the date was moved up at the request of Gershkovich's defense lawyers.

Thursday's hearing was closed to the press, with the court stating that media access would be granted only when the verdict is announced. Such secrecy is standard in Russian trials involving treason or espionage.

The Kremlin maintains that the case is a matter for the court and asserts that Gershkovich was caught 'red-handed,' though no evidence has been published. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Moscow possesses 'irrefutable evidence' of Gershkovich's involvement in espionage.

U.S. officials denounce the charges as a sham, accusing Russia of using Gershkovich and another detained American, Paul Whelan, as pawns for a potential prisoner exchange. Washington has labeled both men as 'wrongfully detained' and is committed to securing their release.

President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Russia is open to a prisoner swap involving Gershkovich, and that ongoing dialogues with the U.S. would remain confidential.

(With inputs from agencies.)