Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal correspondent jailed in Moscow, was formally charged with espionage on Friday, according to Russian state media.
The Tass news agency cited an unidentified law enforcement source about the steps taken by Russia’s Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., and said Mr. Gershkovich had denied the accusation.
investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country,” the news agency quoted its source as saying, echoing the statement issued by Russia’s security police agency at the time the 31-year-old reporter was first detained.
“He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source declined to comment further because the case was marked “top secret,” according to Tass.
Persons:
Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, “
Organizations:
Wall Street Journal, Tass, Federal Security Service
Locations:
Moscow, Russia