Escalation in Evan Gershkovich Espionage Trial

Closing arguments in the espionage trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich are set for Friday. Arrested in March 2023 and held in Russia, Gershkovich faces charges dismissed by his employer and US officials as bogus. He could be jailed for up to 20 years if convicted.

Closing arguments in the espionage trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich will be conducted on Friday, according to a statement from a Russian court. The case has moved swiftly as Gershkovich has been in pre-trial custody for over a year.

The court noted that Gershkovich attended a trial session behind closed doors for a second consecutive day on Thursday. He faces serious charges that both his employer and the US government adamantly deny.

Observers were unable to see Gershkovich this time, unlike earlier sessions when reporters could catch a glimpse of him. The court provided no explanation for the change, although espionage cases are commonly handled with heightened secrecy.

Gershkovich, aged 32, was detained on March 29, 2023, during a reporting assignment. Authorities claimed, without providing evidence, that he was collecting sensitive information for the US government. Born to immigrants from the USSR, Gershkovich is the first Western journalist to be accused of espionage in post-Soviet Russia.

The US State Department has classified his detention as "wrongful," ensuring active efforts by the government to secure his release.

If found guilty, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison, a near-certainty given that Russian courts have a conviction rate exceeding 99%. Prosecutors can also contest sentences they find too lenient or even challenge acquittals.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed at the United Nations that intelligence services from both Russia and the US are discussing a possible exchange involving Gershkovich, as reported by Russian state news agency Tass. Although Russia has hinted at such a swap before, a formal verdict would be needed first.

Gershkovich's trial began on June 26 in Yekaterinburg, following his 15-month detention in Moscow's infamous Lefortovo Prison.

The trial was initially adjourned until mid-August. However, Gershkovich's legal team requested an earlier hearing, which was held on Thursday, according to Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and Mediazona.

Last month, the Russian Prosecutor General's office accused Gershkovich of "gathering secret information" on CIA orders about Uralvagonzavod, a plant specializing in military equipment about 150 kilometres from Yekaterinburg.

US officials and Gershkovich's employer have denounced these charges as fabricated and labeled the trial as a sham.

"Evan has never been employed by the United States government. Evan is not a spy. Journalism is not a crime. And Evan should never have been detained in the first place," said John Kirby, White House national security spokesperson, last month.

Further complicating matters is Russia's broad interpretation of crimes like espionage and treason, often targeting individuals who share publicly available information with foreigners.

(With inputs from agencies.)