The espionage trial of American journalist Evan Gershkovich resumed in a Russian court on Thursday after being brought forward at the request of his defense. Gershkovich attended the court hearing in person, according to the court’s press service, with the hearing being held behind closed doors. Gershkovich, the US government, and the WSJ have vehemently denied the charges against him. US and Western officials have accused Russia of using Gershkovich and other jailed foreigners as bargaining chips for possible prisoner exchanges. Before his transfer to Yekaterinburg, the 32-year-old journalist was imprisoned in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo Prison, spending almost every hour of the day in a small cell.

Source: CNN July 18, 2024 09:07 UTC