Arrest of Wall Street Journal Reporter in Russia on Espionage Charges

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich remains in jail on espionage charges in Russia until at least late June. The U.S. government has declared him wrongfully detained, and his employer denies the allegations.

Key Points

  • Evan Gershkovich remains in jail on espionage charges in Russia
  • U.S. ambassador to Russia has stated the accusations are untrue
  • Analysts suggest Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips
  • Gershkovich is the first American reporter arrested on espionage charges in Russia since 1986

Pros

  • U.S. government has declared Evan Gershkovich to be wrongfully detained
  • Journalist and his employer deny the espionage charges

Cons

  • Evan Gershkovich has spent nearly a year behind bars on unclear charges
  • His continued detention may be politically motivated