WSJ calls on the US to expel the Russian ambassador and all Russian journalists from the country over the arrest of their reporter
The Wall Street Journal published an article about the detention of the newspaper's reporter Evan Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The editors called on Joe Biden's Administration to seek the release of the journalist, as well as to consider the possibility of "diplomatic and political escalation" with Russia.
"Expelling Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., as well as all Russian journalists working here, would be the minimum to expect. The U.S. government’s first duty is to protect its citizens, and too many governments now believe they can arrest and imprison Americans with impunity," the article reads.
As the IMI reported, on March 30, the Russian FSB reported having detained The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was working on a report about the Russians' attitude to the war and to the PMC "Wagner" recruitment efforts.
The special service accused the journalist of espionage. A criminal case was opened under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (espionage). The article provides for up to 20 years in prison. The reporter was detained in Yekaterinburg.
The Wall Street Journal editors denied the FSB's allegations and called for Gershkovich's immediate release.
The Lefortovo Court of Moscow arrested WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich for "espionage".
The US Administration said that the "espionage" allegations brought by the Russian authorities against The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are unfounded.
The head of the EU foreign policy department, Josep Borrell, condemned Russia for detaining The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
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