U.S. Ambassador Visits Detained Princeton Journo Evan Gershkovich In Russian Prison

PRINCETON, NJ – Detained Princeton journalist Evan Gershkovich was allowed his first consular access in Russia on Monday.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy said Monday that she visited Gershkovich in a Moscow prison.

"I visited The Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich today at Lefortovo Prison - the first time we've been permitted access to him since his wrongful detention more than two weeks ago,” Tracy said in a Twitter statement.

U.S. consular officials were initially refused access to Gershkovich.

"He is in good health and remains strong. We reiterate our call for his immediate release,” Tracy said .

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.

Last week, the United States designated Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release. More: Princeton Journalist Evan Gershkovich Jailing In Russia Sparks Concern

Gershkovich became the first U.S. correspondent to be detained on spying accusations in Russia since the Cold War.

Russia's main security service, the Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused the journalist of trying to obtain classified information, a charge the Wall Street Journal has denied.

A Russian court has ordered him detained until May 29, according to the Journal.

Local, state and national leaders have called on Russia to immediately release Gershkovich.

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