Evan Gershkovich appeals Russia’s extension of his detention

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges, earlier this week appealed a court decision to extend his detention by more than three months, The Journal confirmed on Friday.

Mister. Gershkovich, 31, had already spent nearly two months in Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison, known for its harsh conditions, when a court on Tuesday extended his detention until August. 30. While this decision was widely expected, The Journal noted in a statement at the time that he was “deeply disappointed” and would continue to demand his immediate release. The appeal was filed on Thursday, according to The Journal.

The White House stated that M. Gershkovich was “wrongly detained”, which in fact means that the United States considers him a political prisoner. Russia has yet to provide any evidence to support the espionage allegations, and the United States, The Journal and several press freedom groups have vehemently dismissed them as false.

Mister. Gershkovich’s parents, Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich, were allowed into the courthouse on Tuesday and were able to see their son for the first time since he was arrested on March 29 while on a reporting trip to the city of Yekaterinburg in central Russia. RS. Milman wore a button that said “Free Evan” – the battle cry of the campaign for his release.