Evan Gershkovich, a journalist with The Wall Street Journal, has been sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison in Russia. The verdict was delivered on Friday by the Sverdlovsk Regional Court in Yekaterinburg, where Gershkovich was found guilty of espionage, a charge strongly refuted by the U.S. government and his employer.
Gershkovich, 32, was arrested more than a year ago and has consistently denied the accusations. The Russian government has not provided any evidence to substantiate the claims. During closing arguments, the state prosecutor sought an 18-year sentence, but the court ultimately imposed a 16-year term.
According to the court, Gershkovich was accused of gathering classified information about a defense company’s activities, allegedly on behalf of American intelligence agencies. Judge Andrei Mineyev ordered Gershkovich to remain in custody while his sentence is enforced, and he is expected to pay approximately $75 in legal fees.
Jay Conti, executive vice president and general counsel of Dow Jones, labeled the trial a “sham” and the charges as “completely made up” in a recent interview. The U.S. government has echoed these sentiments, denouncing the accusations and deeming Gershkovich’s detention unjustified.
Donald Trump, the 2024 GOP nominee, has stated he could negotiate Gershkovich’s release if he returns to the presidency. Putin has indicated that a deal could be arranged for Gershkovich’s release.
Gershkovich has remained optimistic during his court appearances, often smiling, though his family has suffered greatly. “It has been hard,” his father, Mikhail Gershkovich, said in March. “He spent all four seasons there. He spent his birthday and all the holidays. We want him home as soon as possible.”
Gershkovich has 15 days to appeal the verdict.