Russian Judge Denies Princeton Journo Gershkovich’s Detention Appeal

PRINCETON, NJ – A Russian judge on Tuesday denied an appeal to change the detention terms for Princeton journalist Evan Gershkovich.

The reporter from Wall Street Journal is being held on espionage charges. He is the first U.S. correspondent to be detained on spying accusations in Russia since the Cold War.

The hearing was held in a closed session but cameras were briefly allowed into the courtroom before the hearing.

This is the first time the outside world has got a glimpse of Gershkovich since his detention.

The reporter was standing inside a glass case formally known as an “aquarium,” where Russian defendants are often held in court.

Gershkovich’s lawyers had appealed to put him under house arrest instead of jail. The judge denied his appeal of pretrial detention, which means he will remain in Russian jail.

The reporter is being held at the Lefortovo Prison in Moscow.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy was also present in the courtroom.

On Monday, Tracy was allowed to meet Gershkovich and she said he was in “good health and remains strong.” More: U.S. Ambassador Visits Detained Princeton Journo Evan Gershkovich

Gershkovich, 31, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, was detained on March 29 by Russian officials on spying accusations.

If found guilty of spying, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison. The court has ordered him detained until May 29, according to the Journal.

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