Brussels-based journalists run to raise awareness for detained Evan Gershkovich

Brussels-based journalists, diplomats and EU officials took part in a run on Wednesday to raise awareness for Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist who was detained in Russia last year.

Gershkovich, who covered Russian affairs for the Wall Street Journal, was detained by Russian security forces in 2023 while reporting in Yekaterinburg in the Urals. He is accused of espionage and faces a 20-year prison sentence.

He denies the accusations, as do the US, his newspaper and his family. Russia has never substantiated the charges or shown any evidence, and the entire proceedings are secret.

One-year anniversary

Friday is the one-year anniversary of his detention, which was recently extended until 30 June. To raise awareness of his situation, his colleagues at the Wall Street Journal organised runs in cities across the world. In Brussels, many journalists and diplomats joined, including employees of the Council of Europe.

The US accuses Russia of arresting innocent US citizens to push for a prisoner swap. In mid-December, president Vladimir Putin said he "hoped" for an agreement to release Gershkovich and another American, Paul Whelan, a former marine who has been detained in Russia since 2018.

^{© PHOTO OLIVIER HOSLET/X}