MOSCOW — A Russian court rejected an appeal from Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, upholding an earlier ruling to keep the journalist in detention until late August on espionage charges.
Gershkovich’s imprisonment was extended last month at Lefortovo prison, which is known for its harsh conditions. The 31-year-old is a U.S. citizen and was arrested late March while on a reporting trip. Both Gershkovich and the Wall Street Journal vehemently contest all the charges against him.
Gershkovich, wearing a black T-shirt and light blue jeans, was pacing back and forth inside a glass cell. Once the proceedings began, journalists inside the courtroom were told to leave by Russian authorities.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information.