Mercer County, Princeton

Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich From Princeton, NJ Detained In Russia On Espionage Claim

March 30, 2023

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–The Wall Street Journal reported that one of their reporters, Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, was detained by Russia on Russian claims of espionage.

Evan Gershkovich was a 2010 graduate of Princeton High School and was captain of the boy’s soccer team his senior year.

It is the first time a U.S. correspondent has been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War. The Wall Street Journal  “vehemently denies” the allegations and seeks his immediate release.

According to Gershkovich LinkedIn profile he is a reporter with the Wall Street Journal since January 2022. He has also worked for AFP Agence France-Presse, The Moscow Times, The New York Times and Fellow Princeton in Asia. He graduated Bowdoin College in 2014.

Evan Gershkovich, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal detained in Russia on claims of espionage. Photo from LinkedIn profile.

Gottheimer Statement on American Journalist and New Jersey Native Evan Gershkovich Detained in Russia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, March 30, 2023, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding the Russian detainment of American citizen, Wall Street Journal reporter, and New Jersey native Evan Gershkovich:

“Not since the Cold War has a foreign journalist been charged with espionage in Russia, but ruthless dictator Vladimir Putin has continued his egregious acts of aggression — this time targeting American journalist and New Jersey native Evan Gershkovich. Putin must be held accountable for his horrific war of aggression against Ukraine and for the unjust detainment of an American citizen.

Putin and his cronies will do everything in their power to suppress free speech and the press in an attempt to cover up their atrocious and inhumane war crimes. There cannot be proper accountability without freedom of the press.

I will do everything I can to help secure Mr. Gershkovich’s freedom. I have requested an immediate briefing from the House Intelligence Committee and will continue to be in communication with the State Department. 

We must stand united against Russia’s vicious attack on democracy and freedom of the press.”

MidJersey.news photos:

Photos of Evan Gershkovich a Princeton High School Graduate played on the soccer team for the high school.