The United States has demanded the immediate release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after Russian security services sought to extend his detention. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesperson at the White House, told CNN, "He should never have been detained in the first place. Journalism is not a crime. He should be released immediately... We are still working diligently to see how we can bring him back home to his family."
Russian media reported that a Russian court has extended the pre-trial detention of Gershkovich, who was arrested by Russian authorities in March on charges of espionage, until August 30. The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia arrested the American Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg, and the charges against him could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years if proven. He has been accused of collecting information classified as state secrets about a military complex.
Gershkovich was first placed in pre-trial detention until May 29 before the duration was extended for another three months. A journalist working for CNN tweeted that Gershkovich's parents were present at the Lefortovo Court in Moscow for the hearing.
