Russia Starts Closed-Door Trial for US Reporter Gershkovich on Spy Charges

YEKATERINBURG, Russia—A shaven-headed Evan Gershkovich went on trial behind closed doors on Wednesday in a Russian court where the U.S. journalist is facing accusations of espionage.

Prosecutors say the Wall Street Journal reporter gathered secret information on the orders of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency about a company that manufactures tanks for Russia’s war in Ukraine. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years.

Mr. Gershkovich, his newspaper, and the U.S. government all reject the allegations and say that he was just doing his job as a reporter accredited by Russia’s Foreign Ministry to work there.

“His case is not about evidence, procedural norms, or the rule of law. It is about the Kremlin using American citizens to achieve its political objectives,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said in a statement, calling for Mr. Gershkovich’s immediate release.

After several hours of closed proceedings, the court said the next session would take place on Aug. 13—an indication the case will drag on for months. The reason for the long interval was not clear.

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