A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention</h2>

“The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday.

“The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a>

Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador</h2>

“We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday.&nbsp;

She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.”

Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-extends-wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovichs-detention-us-calls-for-immediate-release-595697">Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release</a>

“He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador.

<h2>The accusations and appeals</h2>

Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex.&nbsp;Moscow claims&nbsp;to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. &nbsp;

Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-formally-charges-us-journalist-evan-gershkovich-with-espionage-580257">Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage</a>

The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set.

Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage.

A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August. Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention “The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday. “The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court. ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public. ‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador “We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday. She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.” Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”. ALSO READ | Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release “He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador. The accusations and appeals Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex. Moscow claims to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union. While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30. ALSO READ | Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set. Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention

A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the court appearance?</h2>

Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business.&nbsp;

He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a>

In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.”

According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest?</h2>

As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brittney-griner-breaks-silence-on-return-from-russia-to-play-in-wnba-in-2023-543834">Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023</a>

Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel.&nbsp;

An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>How has the US responded to the arrest?</h2>

A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.

A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial. What do we know about the court appearance? Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business. He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10. Also read | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.” According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV. What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest? As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently. Also read | Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023 Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel. An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters. How has the US responded to the arrest? A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US citizen arrested in Russia over drug dealing charges

Former Russian journalist Ivan Safranov has been found guilty of treason by a Moscow court. He has now been sentenced to 22 years in a maximum security prison.

Moscow court sentences former journalist Ivan Safranov to 22 years in prison

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal.&nbsp;

The court's press service revealed on a messaging app Telegram that Meta has been fined $27 million. The court also informed that it has imposed a fine of $98 million on Google.&nbsp;

Russia's state communications regulator Roskomnadzor released a statement, it read: "For the first time, a Russian court has imposed fines that make up a share of the annual revenue of these companies in Russia."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-metaverse-to-nft-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-tech-buzzwords-of-2021-439134">From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021</a>

"In the case of an administrative offense provided for in Part 5 of Article 13.41 of the Administrative Code &lt;...&gt; Google LLC was found guilty ... A punishment was imposed in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of 7,221,916,235 rubles," RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the Tagansky District court.&nbsp;

Moscow has been putting pressure on foreign internet platforms and claims that such platforms fail to take down illegal content in compliance with Russian law. Content from pornographic material and posts promoting drugs and suicide.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal. The court's press service revealed on a messaging app Telegram that Meta has been fined $27 million. The court also informed that it has imposed a fine of $98 million on Google. Russia's state communications regulator Roskomnadzor released a statement, it read: "For the first time, a Russian court has imposed fines that make up a share of the annual revenue of these companies in Russia." ALSO READ | From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021 "In the case of an administrative offense provided for in Part 5 of Article 13.41 of the Administrative Code <...> Google LLC was found guilty ... A punishment was imposed in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of 7,221,916,235 rubles," RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the Tagansky District court. Moscow has been putting pressure on foreign internet platforms and claims that such platforms fail to take down illegal content in compliance with Russian law. Content from pornographic material and posts promoting drugs and suicide. × (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court fines Google and Meta with record $125mn over repeated failure to delete illegal content

Uniform-wearers are expected to behave in a certain way when they don that jersey that represents their country and the institution, or could face penalty. A Russian police woman learnt it the hard way.<o:p></o:p>

Last month, social media was taken by shock when Ruslan Bobiev (whose real name is Ruslani Murojonzod) and Asya Akimova (Anastasia Chistova) posted pictures where Akimova was seen on her knees, facing her boyfriend which signaled oral sex.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-zayn-malik-charged-with-harassment-against-yolanda--gigi-hadid-425229">Zayn Malik charged with harassment against Yolanda &amp; Gigi Hadid</a></o:p>

However, the photo became a problem for the couple as the girlfriend had posed for this picture while wearing a police jacket. The picture was clicked with the iconic Red Square cathedral in the background.<o:p></o:p>

When the picture went viral, the couple was detained on the charges for carrying out actions that could hurt the feelings of masses of the country. Experts accused the couple of carrying out these actions "with the purpose of insulting the religious feelings of believers".<o:p></o:p>

The couple has now been ordered 10 months behind bars for the photoshoot as they have been charged with insulting the feelings of believers.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-settle-us-charges-of-tax-evasion-russian-billionaire-pays-500-million-425174">To settle US charges of tax evasion, Russian billionaire pays $500 million</a></o:p>

Bobiev and Akimova are the first ones to be sentenced to prison under this law. Before these two, whoever was charged against this law were either fined or had a suspended sentence. This law was passed in 2013 following a music performance by Pussy Riot band inside a cathedral in the capital city.<o:p></o:p>

In 2016, a YouTube blogger, Ruslan Sokolovsky, was also arrested against the same rule for playing the famous mobile game, Pokemon GO, in a church in Ekaterinburg. Recently, an OnlyFans star also became infamous for flashing her breasts near the St Basil’s Cathedral. Although, Bunny had issued public apology after public outrage for her stunt, she still faces possibility of prosecution in the case.<o:p></o:p>

However, the couple, Bobiev and Akimova, have been sentenced to 10-month prison sentence.<o:p></o:p>

Uniform-wearers are expected to behave in a certain way when they don that jersey that represents their country and the institution, or could face penalty. A Russian police woman learnt it the hard way.

Uniform-wearers are expected to behave in a certain way when they don that jersey that represents their country and the institution, or could face penalty. A Russian police woman learnt it the hard way. Last month, social media was taken by shock when Ruslan Bobiev (whose real name is Ruslani Murojonzod) and Asya Akimova (Anastasia Chistova) posted pictures where Akimova was seen on her knees, facing her boyfriend which signaled oral sex. Also read | Zayn Malik charged with harassment against Yolanda & Gigi Hadid However, the photo became a problem for the couple as the girlfriend had posed for this picture while wearing a police jacket. The picture was clicked with the iconic Red Square cathedral in the background. When the picture went viral, the couple was detained on the charges for carrying out actions that could hurt the feelings of masses of the country. Experts accused the couple of carrying out these actions "with the purpose of insulting the religious feelings of believers". The couple has now been ordered 10 months behind bars for the photoshoot as they have been charged with insulting the feelings of believers. Also read | To settle US charges of tax evasion, Russian billionaire pays $500 million Bobiev and Akimova are the first ones to be sentenced to prison under this law. Before these two, whoever was charged against this law were either fined or had a suspended sentence. This law was passed in 2013 following a music performance by Pussy Riot band inside a cathedral in the capital city. In 2016, a YouTube blogger, Ruslan Sokolovsky, was also arrested against the same rule for playing the famous mobile game, Pokemon GO, in a church in Ekaterinburg. Recently, an OnlyFans star also became infamous for flashing her breasts near the St Basil’s Cathedral. Although, Bunny had issued public apology after public outrage for her stunt, she still faces possibility of prosecution in the case. However, the couple, Bobiev and Akimova, have been sentenced to 10-month prison sentence.

Couple sentenced to 10 months jail for 'oral sex' pic outside Moscow cathedral

A Moscow court has fined Google for failing to remove content banned in Russia. Recently, Russia has been taking legal action against foreign tech companies for not deleting content banned by the authorities.

Moscow court fines Google for failing to remove content banned in Russia

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