By Habeeb Ibrahim
A Russian court has sentenced American journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison on espionage charges, a decision widely condemned by Western governments and media outlets as “despicable” and “disgraceful”.
The sentencing took place after just three court sessions in a closed-door trial in Yekaterinburg, where Gershkovich was arrested during a reporting trip in March 2023.
According to Channels Television, US President Joe Biden stated that Gershkovich was “targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American,” and vowed to continue efforts for his release.
Both Washington and Moscow have confirmed that discussions about a possible prisoner swap are ongoing. Russia has a policy of not engaging in prisoner trades before convictions, suggesting that the sentencing could pave the way for negotiations.
US presidential candidate Donald Trump commented on his Truth Social site, asserting that Biden would fail to secure Gershkovich’s release without significant concessions, while he would achieve it without compensation if elected.
In court, Gershkovich showed no visible reaction to the sentence, standing in a glass defendants’ cage and waving to his journalist colleagues as he was led away. Judge Andrei Mineyev stated that Gershkovich would serve his sentence in a “strict regime colony,” known for harsh conditions.
Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His employer and the US government have maintained that the accusations are baseless. The Wall Street Journal condemned the verdict, calling it a “sham conviction” and highlighting that Gershkovich has been wrongfully detained for 478 days.
Western leaders and organizations have also criticized the sentence. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled it “despicable,” and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the case as “politically motivated.” The UN expressed “serious concerns” about the safety and freedom of journalists.
Russian opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya called Gershkovich’s conviction unjust and urged for the immediate release of all those wrongfully imprisoned in Russia.
The Kremlin has not provided public evidence for the espionage allegations, claiming Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” spying on a tank factory for the CIA. The prosecutor emphasized that Gershkovich acted with “careful measures of secrecy.”
The situation has exacerbated already high tensions between Moscow and Washington, partly due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Both countries have indicated a willingness to discuss a prisoner exchange, but no specific details have been disclosed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned ongoing talks between US and Russian special services about possible exchanges, but did not name individuals involved. It is speculated that Russia seeks the release of Vadim Krasikov, convicted in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen separatist commander.
Other US nationals detained in Russia include 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 in Russia to “depart immediately” due to the risk of wrongful arrest.
Gershkovich, the US-born son of Soviet emigrants, has been reporting from Russia since 2017. Despite his detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, he has maintained hope, as revealed in handwritten letters to friends and family.
