Source: BBC News [UK state media]
“Russia has extended by three months the pre-trial detention of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in March on espionage charges. A court ordered that Mr Gershkovich’s detention be extended until 30 August, Russia media reports. US officials have called for the immediate release of the Wall Street Journal correspondent. His arrest marked the first time Moscow had accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era. Mr Gershkovich, who was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg while reporting on the war in Ukraine, has denied the charges, as has the Wall Street Journal and US government. The judge’s ruling means he will continue to be held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison. No journalists were allowed into Tuesday’s court hearing, which was not announced in advance. It is not clear whether Mr Gershkovich, 31, attended.” (05/23/23)