Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday it had denied an upcoming consular visit to jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in retaliation to Washington refusing to grant visas to several Russian journalists.
"The U.S. Embassy was informed that its request for a consular visit on May 11... to U.S. citizen (Evan) Gershkovich, who was detained on charges of espionage, has been rejected. Other potential retaliatory measures are being worked out," the Foreign Ministry said.
It added that American “sabotage, aimed at preventing normal journalistic work” would not go unanswered.
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of retaliatory steps after Washington denied U.S. visas to Russian journalists who were meant to accompany Lavrov on his visit to UN headquarters.
"We won't forget, we will not forgive this," Lavrov said last week.
Gershkovich was detained in Yekaterinburg, a city in Russia's Ural Mountains, on March 29 and then ordered to two months of pre-trial detention on charges of espionage — allegations Gershkovich strongly denies.
Gershkovich, a former journalist for The Moscow Times, is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the Cold War.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy, who visited Gershkovich at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow, said that he “is in good health and remains strong.”
AFP contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
