Evan Gershkovich: US says journalist is wrongfully detained in Russia

The United States has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release.

Mr Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was arrested last month in the city of Yekaterinburg while working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

He has since been formally charged with spying, but the WSJ denies this.

It is the first time Moscow has accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era.

The "wrongfully detained" designation in the US means the case will now be transferred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This will raise the profile of the case and allow the government to allocate more resources to securing his release. read more