Moscow, April 17. US Ambassador to Russia Lynn Tracy visited Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, detained in Russia for alleged espionage, in protective custody at Lefortovo in the Russian capital, the diplomatic legation reported.
“Today I visited Evan Gershkovich in Lefortovo prison, this is the first time we have had access to him since his illegal detention over two weeks ago,” Tracy said in a post. posted on the US Embassy’s Twitter account.
The diplomat added that the journalist is feeling well and “staying strong”.
“We reiterate our call for his immediate release,” he concluded.
Russia admitted last week that it had not yet allowed US diplomats in Moscow to visit Gershkovich in prison, saying the request was under consideration.
The Federal Security Service (FSB, ex-KGB) formally accused the American journalist of spying on the 7.
The reporter’s lawyers have appealed his detention, while dozens of independent Russian journalists have written a letter calling for his release and calling the charge of espionage under article 276 of the penal code a gratuitous charge. 20 years in prison.
The White House and the Wall Street Journal have denied accusations by Russian security forces against their correspondent and demanded his immediate release. EFE
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