MOSCOW (AP) — A Wall Street Journal reporter detained on espionage costs in Russia is showing in court docket to enchantment his prolonged detention.
U.S. citizen Evan Gershkovich, 31, was arrested in late March whereas on a reporting journey. A Moscow court docket agreed final month to maintain him in custody till Aug. 30. Defense attorneys challenged the choice, and the Moscow City Court is scheduled to listen to the enchantment on Thursday.
Gershkovich and his employer have denied he spied in Russia. The U.S. authorities has declared him to be wrongfully detained and demanded his fast launch.
His arrest within the metropolis of Yekaterinburg rattled journalists in Russia, the place authorities haven’t detailed what, if any, proof they’ve gathered to help the espionage costs.
Gershkovich is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo jail, which is infamous for its harsh situations. U.S. Embassy officers had been allowed to go to him as soon as, however Russian authorities rejected two different requests to see him.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov advised reporters on Thursday that the ministry is contemplating one other go to request from the embassy.
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