Categories: World News

Russia Charges US Reporter With Spying

 

Moscow has formally charged US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage, Russian news agencies reported Friday, adding that he had denied the accusations.

The arrest of Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich prompted an outcry from media outlets and rights groups, as well as government officials in Washington.

“FSB investigators charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country,” Russian state-run agency TASS said, citing a law enforcement source.

“He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia,” TASS said.

Gershkovich’s arrest is seen as a serious escalation of Moscow’s crackdown on the media.

His publication, one of the most prestigious in the United States, “vehemently denies the allegations” against its “trusted and dedicated reporter”.

The case has been classified as secret, limiting the amount of information available.

His arrest also comes as Moscow’s relationships with Washington has been severely downgraded because of the Ukraine offensive.

Washington has long accused Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans in order to secure the release of detained Russians.

US President Joe Biden called for Gershkovich’s release on Friday, the White House calling the accusations against him “ridiculous”.

Russia said on Thursday it was “pointless” to try to pressure Moscow over the case.

AFP

Emmanuel Egobiambu

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Emmanuel Egobiambu
Tags: MoscowRussia

Recent Posts

Alleged Fraud: FCT Court Discharges, Acquits Adoke In OPL 245 Trial

Justice Kutigi said the EFCC failed to prove its charges of fraud, bribery and money…

26 mins ago

Eniola Ajao Dumps Bobrisky As Best-Dressed, Announces New Winners With ₦1m Gift

Although Eniola had since apologised for the stunt gone wrong, she took to her social…

48 mins ago

Troops Neutralize Terrorists, Recover Arms, Rustled Cattle In Borno, Katsina

Military authorities say the troops are still sustaining offensive operations to clear terrorists in the…

58 mins ago

Biden, Trump Campaign In New York On Thursday

The 81-year-old Democrat Biden will take part in a fundraising evening alongside two of his…

2 hours ago

Court Ordered Release Of 313 Suspected Terrorists To Borno Govt – DHQ

Borno is one of the North-Eastern states that is worst hit by the Boko Haram…

2 hours ago

Police Raid Juju Shrine, Arrest Witch-Doctor, 25 Others In Port Harcourt

According to the police, the witch-doctor and his crew specialize in car snatching operations and…

2 hours ago