Secret Russian trial begins for American reporter Evan Gershkovich

American journalist Evan Gerskovich's secret trial on charges of spying began Wednesday in the eastern Russian city of Yekaterinburg, where he was initially arrested 15 months ago.

No one from the outside is allowed into the court proceedings. U.S. Embassy staff were on hand outside the courtroom prior to the start of the trial today, and in a statement released afterward said,"During this time, Russian authorities have failed to provide any evidence supporting the charges against him, failed to justify his continued detention, and failed to explain why Evan's work as a journalist constitutes a crime.

"We're not holding our breath. It could take weeks or months and we don't have much trust in the Russian justice system," said his friend, Pjotr Sauer."Realistically we believe that Russia will convict him because they arrested him in the end because he's a bargaining chip for Moscow, for Putin, to be exchanged."

The Kremlin has said they are currently talking to U.S. officials about a potential prisoner exchange.

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In secret Russian trial, American reporter Evan Gershkovich faces years behind barsMaya Rodriguez is a National Correspondent, reporting for all E.W. Scripps television stations across the country. She is based in Washington, D.C., but she travels extensively from coast to coast and around the world for stories of interest.
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