US envoy meets jailed journalist Gershkovich

Moscow [Russia], April 18: The US ambassador in Moscow Lynne Tracy has visited Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is being held on espionage charges in Moscow's Lefortovo prison.Monday's visit was "the first time we've been permitted access to him since his wrongful detention more than two weeks ago," she tweeted. "He is in good health and remains strong. We reiterate our call for his immediate release."
The correspondent was arrested by Russia's FSB secret service in Yekaterinburg. He is to be held in custody until May 29. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison. The affair put even more strain on the tense relations between Washington and Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.
The US has officially classified the arrest as unlawful.Moscow insists Gershkovich was "caught red-handed" spying on behalf of the US government.
The White House and the Wall Street Journal have both rejected the accusation. At the time of his arrest, Gershkovich was trying to write a report about the population's attitude toward the Wagner private army's recruitment attempts, according to media reports. The Wagner army is deployed in Russia's war against Ukraine, which Moscow started 13 months ago.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine 13 months ago, Moscow has significantly restricted the country's freedom of expression and freedom of the press. There is also the threat of legal proceedings for discrimination or damage to the reputation of the Russian army.
Source: Qatar Tribune