Russian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention For Journal Reporter

A Russian court has extended the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich for two months.

The new trial date is set for January 30, 2024, the court’s press service said.

Report says Gershkovich was arrested on March 29 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on charges of espionage that carry up to 20 years in prison.

The reporter denies the charges.

“The court ruled to extend the term of detention of Gershkovich, accused of a crime under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, for up to 10 months, that is, until January 30, 2024,” Moscow’s Lefortovo district court said.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere