The arrest of this correspondent of the prestigious American daily Wall Street Journal for "espionage", the first case of its kind in decades in Russia, is part of a crisis between Washington and Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine.

The chances of the court ruling in favor of Evan Gershkovich, however, are almost nil.

From the glass cage devoted to the accused, Evan Gershkovich, arms crossed and wearing a blue plaid shirt and jeans, observed his colleagues, sometimes sketching a smile, his gaze straight and determined.

The Russian security services (FSB) arrested him in late March while he was reporting in Yekaterinburg. The Kremlin claims that he was arrested in "flagrante delicto" of espionage, without providing evidence to this effect, the file being classified.

In particular, he was formally accused of gathering information on the defence industry.

American journalist Evan Gershkovich, charged with espionage, in the glass cage of the defendants during a hearing in a Moscow court, April 18, 2023 © NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA / AFP

Evan Gershkovich, his family, his employer and the US authorities categorically reject the espionage charges, which carry a 20-year prison sentence, accusing Moscow of attacking him for his journalistic work.

"I'm hopeful"

U.S. Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy, who appeared in court on Tuesday, was able to visit him on Monday for the first time since his imprisonment began.

The head of US diplomacy, Antony Blinken, on Monday again demanded the "immediate release" of the American reporter, known for his rigor and love of Russia.

"I'm not losing hope," Gershkovich wrote in a letter to his prison parents published last week by the Wall Street Journal.

His arrest comes amid serious diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia caused by the conflict in Ukraine, where Washington backs Kiev against Moscow.

Since the launch of the Russian offensive against Ukraine last year, the Russian authorities have intensified the repression in Russia against opponents but also the media.

Gershkovich's arrest sent shockwaves through him, as no Western journalist has been arrested and charged with spying in Russia for decades.

American journalist Evan Gershkovich, charged with espionage, in the glass cage of the defendants during a hearing in a Moscow court, April 18, 2023 © NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA / AFP

Many observers believe that it could be used in Moscow as part of a possible future prisoner exchange with Washington.

In December 2022, American basketball star Brittney Griner, who was in detention in Russia, was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was detained in the United States.

The start date of Gershkovich's trial has not yet been announced.

© 2023 AFP