Behind closed doors on Wednesday, a secret trial will begin in a Russian courtroom that could decide the fate of American Evan Gershkovich.
"It was completely surreal that, you know, my friend — a normal guy — would be the first American journalist arrested in Russia since the Cold War," said Sam Silverman, a longtime friend of Gershkovich. It's one that's come at a high price. While he was reporting as an accredited journalist for the Wall Street Journal, in the eastern Russian city of Yekaterinburg in March 2023, Russian authorities arrested Gershkovich, charging him with espionage.
Related story: US reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial, officials say The Wall Street Journal fears they will lose contact with Gershkovich once he is transferred for the trial, and that he could end up in an even harsher prison.