Kremlin assures accredited foreign journalists can work in Russia following WSJ reporter’s arrest on espionage charges

The Kremlin has announced that all accredited foreign journalists can continue their work in Russia, despite the recent arrest of a Wall Street Journal reporter on espionage charges. The FSB security service apprehended Evan Gershkovich, accusing him of carrying out espionage under the guise of journalism.

The incident marks the first case against an American reporter on espionage charges since the Cold War. The Kremlin’s statement aims to reassure the international community that this is not an attack on foreign journalists as a whole.

The arrest of Gershkovich has drawn widespread criticism from media organizations and human rights groups, who have expressed concern that the charges against him are unfounded and that he is being targeted for his reporting. The Wall Street Journal has also condemned the arrest and demanded his release.

The case is likely to further strain relations between Russia and the US, which have been at odds over a range of issues, including alleged election interference, the conflict in Syria, and the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK.

Source: Aljazeera