Evan Gershkovich, a US reporter, appeared in a Moscow court for an appeal hearing against his pre-trial detention on allegations of espionage. This was the first partly open hearing since his arrest, which has received international condemnation.
Despite his request for release on bail and his lawyers’ offer to pay 50 million rubles ($613,000), his detention was upheld by the judge. Gershkovich, who wore jeans and a blue checked shirt, maintained a fighting spirit and crossed his arms and smiled before the hearing. Handcuff marks were visible on his hands.
The US ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, was present in the courtroom, but was asked to leave with the press for most of the hearing. Gershkovich’s lawyers said he has been reading a lot in prison and is currently working through “War and Peace”. He has denied the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Source: punchng.com