Moscow, April 18, 2024 (AFP)
The US ambassador to Russia visited jailed American reporter Evan Gershkovich -- held by Moscow for more than a year -- Thursday, saying he is in "good spirits."
Gershkovich, 32, has been in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison for more than a year, the first Western journalist to be arrested by Moscow on spy charges since the Soviet era.
The Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested in March 2023 during a reporting trip in the Urals and accused of spying -- charges he, his employer and the US government deny.
"Ambassador Tracy visited @WSJ Evan Gershkovich at Lefortovo prison today, where he has been wrongly detained for over a year," the US embassy in Moscow said on social media.
"Despite the continued wait for the start of his trial, Evan remains in good spirits, buoyed by the continued messages of support."
Gershkovich continued to report from Russia during Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, when much of the Western media left the country.
Russia has said there are discussions behind the scenes on a possible prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich.
A court in Moscow last month ruled that Gershkovich -- who used to work for the Moscow Times and AFP -- would remain in pre-trial detention until late June.
Russia has never publicly provided evidence of the charges against Gershkovich, which carry up to 20 years in prison.
Washington has accused Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.

Sumber : AFP