Gershkovich stood trial in Yekaterinburg. He was accused of gathering secret information for the CIA about a company manufacturing tanks for Russia’s war in Ukraine. He was also accused of operating illegally using covert methods.

The WSJ journalist, who has been held in pre-trial detention for 15 months, is the first American reporter to be arrested and convicted of espionage in Russia since the Cold War.

The journalist maintained his innocence, while the Wall Street Journal condemned the trial as a sham.

Prosecutors had sought an 18-year sentence, just two years short of the maximum penalty for spying under Russian law.

🧵On March 29, 2023, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia for doing his job.

He was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison today.

We’re offering resources for those who want to show their support for him.… pic.twitter.com/4vW2sZFHM9

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) July 19, 2024

The U.S. government has vehemently condemned Russia for engaging in what it calls “hostage diplomacy.” Alongside Gershkovich, another American, Paul Whelan, is also serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted of spying. Both men have been labeled by the U.S. as “wrongfully detained.”