Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has appeared in a Russian courtroom to enchantment in opposition to his pre-trial detention.

The reporter was formally charged with spying in Russia earlier this month and has been held on the infamous Lefortovo jail in Moscow since.

He faces as much as 20 years behind bars if convicted.

On Tuesday, the 31-year-old stood in a glass field contained in the courtroom together with his arms crossed and didn't say something.

The enchantment listening to will decide whether or not he be held in pre-trial detention till at the least 29 May.

On his arrest, Russia's Federal Security Service accused him of attempting to acquire categorized details about a Russian arms manufacturing unit.

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He turned the primary reporter for an American information outlet to be arrested on espionage fees in Russia because the Cold War and has at all times "categorically" denied the allegations.

Sky News correspondent John Sparks mentioned the case as we speak is round his pre-trial detention fairly than the "substance of his charges".

"I assume his lawyers will be trying to get an alternative custody arrangement for him," he mentioned.

"I think that he is realistically looking at spending a significant period of time in a Russian prison at the moment."

The Wall Street Journal beforehand mentioned it was "deeply concerned" for its reporter's security.

Content Source: information.sky.com