- Russia’s security service opened an intelligence investigation into a Wall Street Journal reporter – a crime that carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years in Russia.
- President Joe Biden’s administration has condemned the arrest and detention of a US journalist.
- . The WSJ strongly denied the allegations, which the White House press secretary called “ridiculous” and “unacceptable”.
- This is the first time a US correspondent has been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War.
- Russia’s security service alleged he was acting on instructions from the American side to collect information about the Russian military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret.”
- The WSJ vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of their trusted and dedicated reporter.
President Joe Biden‘s administration has condemned the arrest and detention of a US journalist in Russia on suspicion of spying.
Russia’s security service opened an intelligence investigation into a Wall Street Journal reporter – a crime that carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years in Russia – and a court quickly ruled he would be kept behind bars pending its results. The WSJ strongly denied the allegations, which the White House press secretary called “ridiculous” and “unacceptable”.
Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing: “These espionage charges are ridiculous. The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. “We condemn the detention of the reporter.” Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, added: “In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the Kremlin’s continued attempts to intimidate, repress and punish journalists and civil society voices.” Karine Jean-Pierre added.
This is the first time a US correspondent has been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War. Western political analysts speculated Moscow could seek to barter the reporter in a prisoner swap with Washington or use him as diplomatic leverage.
Russia’s security service alleged he “was acting on instructions from the American side to collect information about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret.”
The WSJ “vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich”, it said. “We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.” It added.
