Journalist Evan Gershkovich Discusses His Arrest in Russia

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia for over a year before his release in a large prisoner swap in 2024. He shared his experiences with “Fox & Friends” on Thursday.

Reporting in Russia

Gershkovich’s new book, “This Cursed Beautiful Land,” offers an account of his arrest. He explained that he and a colleague were investigating how Russia was transitioning its economy to a military focus. They were in contact with a source they trusted for four years, but it turned out to be a setup.

“I was arrested by the FSB, which is not a misunderstanding,” Gershkovich said. He was taken in a hood to a van and questioned about his employment. His midsection was beaten when he revealed he worked for the Wall Street Journal. It was then he realized he was accused of espionage.

Detention and Charges

He expressed his fear and recalled that upon reaching the station, they calmly handed him the charges, accusing him of espionage. Gershkovich noted the source, Pavel, distancing himself, confirming the setup was likely for a swap.

Gershkovich was arrested on March 29, 2023, in Yekaterinburg, charged with gathering secret information, convicted in 2024, and sentenced to 16 years.

International Reactions

The Biden administration labeled him “wrongfully detained,” and The Wall Street Journal, along with the U.S. government, denied the charges. The conviction was criticized as an effort to hostage the reporter. His release was echoed by his friends, family, and the journalism community.

Prison Experience

Gershkovich described a particularly difficult moment in prison when he learned of Alexei Navalny’s death. It seemed the ongoing negotiations for his release were uncertain. “I thought, ‘Okay, there’s no way I’m getting home now,'” he recalled.

Eventually, Gershkovich, along with former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, was freed in August 2024 as part of a large prisoner swap.