American Journalist Evan Gershkovich Sentenced to 16 Years in Russian Prison

Reporter Detained Since March 2023

New York, NY - The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was sentenced Friday to 16 years in a Russian prison. The 32-year-old journalist has been detained in Russia since March 2023 and has been held in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo Prison awaiting trial on charges of espionage.

A Journalist's Fate

Gershkovich's detention and subsequent sentencing have sparked international outrage and condemnation. The United States government has called for his immediate release, while the Committee to Protect Journalists has denounced the charges against him as "baseless" and an attempt to silence independent journalism in Russia.

The Wife's Perspective

Pavel Butorin, Gershkovich's wife, has spoken out about her husband's imprisonment, calling the Russian legal system a "sham." Butorin also expressed concern about her husband's well-being, stating that he has lost a significant amount of weight and is suffering from various health issues.