Work of WSJ journalist detained in Yekaterinburg ‘has nothing to do with journalism’

The work of American Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was detained by the FSB in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of espionage, “has nothing to do with journalism”. On this subject writing in her telegram channel, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that ‘foreign correspondent’ status, a journalist’s visa and accreditation have been used by foreigners in our country to conceal non-journalistic activities,” the official said. diplomat in a message. Zakharova did not explain what she meant.

Evan Gershkovich is an American journalist with the Moscow bureau of The Wall Street Journal. On March 30, the FSB announced his detention in Yekaterinburg on suspicion of spying “in the interests of the US government”.

According to the secret service, Gershkovich collected secret information about the enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex. An espionage case has been initiated against him (article 276 of the penal code), he faces up to 20 years in prison.