Russia Arrests US Journalist Evan Gershkovich On Spying Charge

A US journalist working for the Wall Street Journal has been formally arrested in Russia and accused of spying, BBC reports. Evan Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his detention.

The Wall Street Journal said it was “deeply concerned” for his safety and vehemently denied the allegations against him.

The Kremlin claimed the reporter had been “caught red-handed”. The FSB said it had “halted illegal activities” and that the reporter had been “acting on US instructions” and “collecting state secrets”. Hours later, the security service took him to Lefortovo district court in Moscow for his formal arrest. He was later seen being escorted from the building before being driven away. The court ordered his detention until May 29th.

{Matzav.com}