2023-03-30 11:21:04 ET
Russian authorities say they've detained a Wall Street Journal ( NASDAQ: NWS ) ( NASDAQ: NWSA ) reporter, accusing him of espionage -- and setting up what is likely to become a major diplomatic event.
The Federal Security Bureau -- Russia's chief security agency -- says it's holding reporter Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen and part of the WSJ's Moscow bureau, after detaining him on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, about 800 miles east of Moscow.
The FSB said it was initiating a criminal case under its espionage code, saying an American was suspected of collecting intelligence on biological topics.
Gershkovich, "acting on the instructions of the American side, collected information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex," the FSB said. The WSJ reported Gershkovich was taken to Moscow where he appeared in court with a state-appointed attorney and was ordered held until May 29.
"The Wall Street Journal vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich," the WSJ said according to its report. "We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family."
The Russian code on espionage provides for a punishment of imprisonment for 10-20 years.
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Russia detains WSJ reporter, citing espionage charges