Evan Gershkovich: US journalist seen with shaved head before start of spying trial in Russia

Evan Gershkovich has been seen before the start of his behind-closed-doors trial in Russia accused of spying.

Reporters were allowed to briefly film the US journalist on Wednesday before the start of the hearing in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg where he faces charges of espionage which he denies.

Gershkovich was seen standing in a glass box, with a shaved head.

The Wall Street Journal reporter was first arrested and detained in March 2023 after Russia claimed he had been “gathering secret information” on orders from the CIA.

Mr Gershkovich faces 20 years in prison if convicted and he has spent more than a year in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison.

Last week, the first details of the allegations against Gershkovich emerged as it was claimed he was seeking information about Uralvagonzavod, a facility that produces and repairs military equipment, the prosecutor general’s office said.

The trial is due to take place behind closed doors – something Russia says is normal in espionage cases.

Mr Gershkovich, his employer and the US government strongly deny the claims and Washington have designated him wrongfully detained.

“Evan has done nothing wrong. He should never have been arrested in the first place. Journalism is not a crime,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last week.

He added: “The charges against him are false. And the Russian government knows that they’re false. He should be released immediately.”

The Biden administration has sought to negotiate Mr Gershkovich’s release, but Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Moscow would consider a prisoner swap only after a trial verdict.

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