Evan Gershkovich: US journalist in court as spy trial starts in Russia
BBC News6 days
Russia Begins US Journalist Gershkovich's Closed-Door Trial
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The Facts
A Russian court on Wednesday began the trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges 15 months after his arrest.
The trial is being held in secret, and because his Russian lawyers face a gag order, they are barred from publicly sharing updates about Gershkovich's case.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Gershkovich is being used as a pawn in this game of geopolitical chess. It's clear he is innocent; however, due to Russia's comically low acquittal rates, he will more than likely be found guilty. With rumors of a possible prisoner swap already circulating, it's evident that the only reason this charade of a trial is continuing is so Russia can use Gershkovich to trade for Russians detained abroad.
Pro-Russia narrative
The US has been using its journalists — including Gershkovich, who tried to obtain sensitive information about the Russian military-industrial complex — for espionage purposes for years. Had he been dedicated to journalism, as he claims, his work could have included the many crimes committed by Ukraine, including the targeting of journalists — an issue the US wilfully ignores. Gershkovich is an American agent who must face the consequences of his actions.