
(ConservativeSense.com) – The editor-in-chief for the Wall Street Journal has shared her bleak prediction for one of the publication’s detained reporters ahead of his trial this week.
Emma Tucker believes Evan Gershkovich, 32, will face a “bogus” conviction at the end of his trial in Russia. She said the courts are unlikely to present valid evidence and will likely commence hearings in secret. She also predicted that it will pale in comparison with the typical presumption of innocence and a meaningful investigation of the facts. That, she believes, will lead to an unjust conviction that could end with a 20-year jail sentence.
Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 during an assignment in Yekaterinburg. He was there to cover a local story, but authorities claimed he was secretly working to commit espionage against the Russian government. He was detained while having dinner at a steakhouse. He has been imprisoned since.
The US government has officially designated his arrest as “wrongfully detained.” John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, also said the proceedings are a “sham” while reiterating the fact that Gershkovich has never been a government employee. He also said that no crime was committed and the arrest should have never happened.
Tucker is encouraging media outlets to be responsible in their stories about Gershkovich. She said they should avoid any accusations that have no basis in facts or that have already been proven false. She has continued to fight for his release.
The Russian government has floated the idea of using Gershkovich for a prisoner exchange with the US. However, they also said that negotiations are impossible until a verdict has been reached. Russian courts have a 99% rate of convictions.
The Russian government also recently detained a French citizen after claiming that he was attempting to gather intel. According to reports, 47-year-old Laurent Vinatier pleaded guilty to crimes related to failing to properly register as a foreign agent while saying that he was unaware of the applicable laws. The French government condemned the arrest and called for his release.
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