WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich’s family, employer speak out as ‘sham’ closed-door trial begins in Russia

Beloved Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's "sham" trial in Russia on espionage charges kicked off Wednesday as his family and employer continue to demand his immediate release. 

The 32-year-old American reporter has been detained in Russia since March 2023, accused of "gathering secret information" for the CIA. The United States government and The Wall Street Journal have both called the charges ridiculous. 

"These past 15 months have been extraordinarily painful for Evan and for our family. We miss our son and just want him home. We’re deeply disappointed that he will have to endure further attempts to discredit him and to paint a picture that is unrecognizable to anyone who knows him. Evan is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime. We urge the US government to continue to do everything possible to bring Evan home now," the Gershkovich family said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.