Russia formally charges detained WSJ reporter with espionage

Russia has formally charged Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich with espionage, according to Russian state news agencies Tass and Interfax, citing law enforcement forces.

Gershkovich, 31, “categorically denied all accusations, stating he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia”, Tass reported on Friday, citing an unidentified source who declined to comment further as the journalist’s case is marked “top secret”.