Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, was arrested in Russia on spying charges. His parents, Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich, received a chilling phone call from the editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal about their son’s disappearance. Initially hopeful that it was a mistake, they soon learned that Russian authorities had detained Evan and accused him of spying for the US government.
Evan has been held in Moscow’s high-security Lefortovo prison since his arrest. Despite intense efforts by The Journal and the US government to secure his release, his detention was extended for another three months with no trial date set. Evan remains optimistic and continues to play chess by mail with his father, read books, and exchange letters with family and friends while in prison.
The arrest of Evan marked a chilling moment in Putin’s crackdown on independent media and dissent. It has had broader implications for Russia coverage, leading many newsrooms to reassess the risks of reporting in the region. With a trial expected in the coming months, Evan’s parents remain optimistic and dedicated to seeing their son released. They are supported by a network of friends, colleagues, and supporters who continue to advocate for Evan’s freedom.
