Russia retaliates, denies US consular visit to jailed Evan Gershkovich
2 Min Read
The decision follows what Russia called a "provocative" US decision to bar Russian journalists from flying to the United States.
-
A man walks out of the pre-trial detention center Lefortovo, where US journalist for the Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich is being held on espionage charges, in Moscow, Russia April 6, 2023 (Reuters)
Moscow said on Thursday that it had denied an upcoming consular visit to detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich in retaliation for Washington not issuing visas to several Russian journalists.
Russin Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov complained last weekend that the United States had denied visas to Russian journalists due to travel with him to the UN headquarters.
"The US embassy was informed that its request for a consular visit on May 11... to US citizen (Evan) Gershkovich, who was detained on charges of espionage, has been rejected," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The decision followed what the Ministry called a "provocative" US decision to bar Russian journalists from flying to the United States.
It warned that "other potential retaliatory measures are being worked out."
Gershkovich was arrested in Russia last month and charged with espionage. His employer, The Wall Street Journal, and US officials denied the allegations.
After its journalists were denied visas on Sunday, Russia vowed to respond.
"We will find formats to respond to this so that the Americans remember for a long time that such things must not be done," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov was cited as saying by state-run news agencies.
Read more: US media attempting to interfere with Russian justice: Russian Embassy
