Journalism is not a crime.
We condemn the Kremlins continued repression of independent voices in Russia, and its ongoing war against the truth.
The U.S. government will provide all appropriate support to Mr. Gershkovich and his family.
Evan GershkovichDIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images
We call for the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Gershkovich.
He was detained March 29 during a reporting trip to the city of Yekaterinburg.
The Russian news agency TASS said Gershkovich denied his guilt in court today.
TheJournalwrotethat it vehemently denies the charges against him.
Gershkovich was detained March 29 during a reporting trip to the city of Yekaterinburg.
He was arrested the next day after appearing in court.
Gershkovich was accredited by the Russian Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist in the country, theWSJsaid.
The added in thejoint statementthat Russian authorities have failed to present any credible evidence to justify their fabricated charges.
TheWSJsaid that Gershkovichs pretrial detention period during which evidence is compiled will run through May 29.
The reporters lawyers will appeal the case in a court hearing April 18.
Jean-Pierre also reiterated the U.S. governments warning that Americans should not travel to Russia.
Russian authorities have accused Gershkovich of espionage, a claim rejected by the Wall Street Journal.
We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.
Gershkovich has pleaded not guilty to espionage charges, according the Russian state news agency Tass.
Under Russias criminal code, the correspondent could face up to 20 years in prison.
Acquittals are virtually unheard-of.
Last night, White House and State Department Officials spoke with Mr. Gershkovichs employer, the Wall Street Journal.
The Administration has also been in contact with his family.
The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable.
We condemn the detention of Mr. Gershkovich in the strongest terms.
We also condemn the Russian governments continued targeting and repression of journalists and freedom of the press.
I want to strongly reiterate that Americans should heed the U.S. governments warning to not travel to Russia.
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately, as the State Department continues to advise.
