Evan Gershovich Detained and Freed: Key Moments

The Wall Street Journal

Evan Gershovich, a Wall Street Journal journalist, was wrongfully detained in Russia on March 29th, 2023, accused of espionage. This marked the first such case involving an American since the Cold War. Despite the accusations, which were vehemently denied by Gershovich, his family, the WSJ, and the US government, he endured a 491-day ordeal in Russia’s Lefortovo prison. His detention sparked a broad governmental effort from the US to secure his release, labeling him as 'wrongfully detained' to unlock full governmental measures. The Moscow Court repeatedly upheld his detention, rejecting bail appeals. Over the year, his parents made several attempts to connect with him in court hearings, always under heavy emotional strain. An intense diplomatic campaign continued, involving high-level international discussions up to President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, proposing complex prisoner swaps. Despite multiple setbacks, including the death of another American detainee, perseverance led to a significant prisoner exchange that saw Gershovich freed after a heart-wrenching struggle.

Highlights

• Evan Gershovich detained in Russia on March 29, 2023.
• Accused of espionage by Russian authorities; first such American case since Cold War.
• The US government immediately labeled him 'wrongfully detained'.
• Repeated court attempts to secure his release failed.
• His parents attended multiple court hearings, fought for his release.
• Diplomatic efforts led by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz considered prisoner swaps.
• Mid-December, significant but rejected proposals were made for his release.
• Complex negotiations continued, involving top-level international discussions.
• Gershovich was sentenced to 16 years but was later freed in a prisoner swap.
• Evan's resilience and his family's efforts were crucial throughout the ordeal.