Moscow, Russia – Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, launched a scathing attack on the United States, accusing American intelligence services of using journalists as spies.
Her comments come amidst the ongoing detention of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent arrested in Russia on espionage charges last year.
Zakharova specifically pointed to a recent Wall Street Journal issue with a nearly blank front page, featuring only Gershkovich’s picture and the slogan “His story should be here.” She argued that Gershkovich could have been reporting on events Russia deems newsworthy, such as alleged attacks by Ukrainian forces or the deaths of journalists critical of the Ukrainian government.
Zakharova further claimed that Gershkovich, “if he had been practicing journalism and not spying,” would have reported on these issues. She also suggested that American media outlets are upset with their own intelligence agencies for using journalists as agents, potentially violating US laws.
The spokesperson then contrasted the coverage of Gershkovich with the case of American journalist Gonzalo Lira, who was killed in Ukraine earlier this year. Zakharova criticized the lack of similar outrage from US media for Lira’s death and questioned whether any investigation was even launched.
It’s important to note that these are accusations from the Russian government, and the US has not responded to these specific claims. Gershkovich maintains his innocence and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage.