US 'deeply concerned' after Russian court denies newspaper reporter's appeal

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Tuesday it is "deeply concerned" that Russia continues to “wrongfully detain” a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter following a "sham judicial proceeding” in Moscow.

A Moscow court Tuesday rejected an appeal against the continued detention of Evan Gershkovich after a closed hearing.

“The Biden-Harris administration is engaging with Russia through every available channel to bring Evan and fellow American Paul Whelan home who is also a priority for us and you heard us speak to that for the past several months,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

“As we have said before, the charges against Evan are baseless, and we call on the Russian Federation to immediately release him,” she added.

The American journalist was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) last month and is accused of espionage. The newspaper denied the allegations.

Jean-Pierre also demanded “the immediate release” of Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence in Russia on spying charges after he was arrested in 2018.