Lavrov claims that Russia possesses ‘irrefutable evidence’ that American reporter Gershkovich is spy
Date
7/18/2024 4:50:48 AM
(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has asserted that the arrest of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich is backed by irrefutable evidence of espionage, dismissing accusations that it is an attack on journalism or free speech. Gershkovich was apprehended in Ekaterinburg in March 2023 while allegedly attempting to obtain classified information about a military facility, according to Russia’s federal Security Service (FSB).
Speaking at a press conference in New York, Lavrov emphasized that Russian and American intelligence agencies are in communication about potential prisoner swaps, a process agreed upon by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden before June 2021. Lavrov criticized the US for publicizing the issue, stating that it does not aid the situation, but he confirmed ongoing contacts between the two nations.
Last month, Gershkovich was formally charged in a Russian court with spying for foreign intelligence. The charges claim he was attempting to gather classified information about Uralvagonzavod, a prominent Russian tank and armored vehicle manufacturer, in Ekaterinburg. Both The Wall Street Journal and Gershkovich have denied these allegations, insisting he is being unlawfully detained.E: US hunting for Russians for prisoner swaps
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