Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist detained in Russia, was seen for the first time since a court appearance in June (Picture: AP)
Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter charged with espionage in Russia, appeared in a Moscow court to appeal his imprisonment.
Gershkovich appeared at Moscow City Court behind a glass defendant’s cage wearing a yellow sweater and blue jeans. It was the first time Gershkovich has been seen in public since a hearing in June.
He defiantly smiled for photographers, but was barred from making any statements.
A Moscow court declined to hear his appeal, sending his case back to a lower court due to procedural violations. In the meantime, Gershkovich’s detention at Russia’s notorious Lefertovo Prison will continue until his trial in November.
Evan Gershkovich appealed his pretrial detention at Moscow City Court (Picture: NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA / AFP)
Lynne Tracy, the US ambassador to Russia, was unable to attend the hearing but spoke to the media outside the courthouse.
‘The US position remains unwavering,’ Tracy said. ‘The charges against Evan are baseless. The Russian government locked Evan up for simply doing his job. Journalism is not a crime.’
Tracy also said she had the opportunity to visit Gershkovich in jail for the fourth time last week.
‘Evan is fully aware of the gravity of his situation, yet he remains remarkably strong,’ Tracy said.
Source:: Metro
