The prosecutor’s request was near the utmost 20-year penalty.
Gershkovich’s arrest in March 2023 appeared to mark a brazen new chapter in hostage diplomacy, by which the Kremlin particulars foreigners on baseless prices solely to make use of them to barter exchanges for Russians convicted of significant crimes within the West.
Senior Russian and U.S. officers have stated that talks about an alternate involving Gershkovich are underway however, in keeping with Kremlin coverage, would solely proceed as soon as the trial is over.
Gershkovich, his employer The Wall Avenue Journal and the State Division have all strongly denied the accusation that he was working for the CIA. His conviction was broadly anticipated, given the extremely politicized nature of Russia’s authorized system.
Gershkovich, 32, who was accredited as a journalist by Russia’s Overseas Ministry, was detained whereas on a reporting journey to Yekaterinburg and accused of spying. He pleaded not responsible.
