Journalist Evan Gershkovich, seen right here on July 24, 2021, is scheduled to face trial on alleged espionage fees in Russia in May.

Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP by way of Getty Images

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Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP by way of Getty Images

Journalist Evan Gershkovich, seen right here on July 24, 2021, is scheduled to face trial on alleged espionage fees in Russia in May.

Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP by way of Getty Images

In a handwritten letter despatched to the U.S. since his arrest in Russia, journalist Evan Gershkovich advised his household that he’s “not losing hope” and continues to learn and write in detention.

“I read. I exercise. And I am trying to write. Maybe, finally, I am going to write something good,” Gershkovich wrote in Russian, the language he speaks at residence together with his mother and father, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Gershkovich, a Journal correspondent based mostly in Moscow, was arrested on the finish of March throughout a reporting journey to the provincial metropolis of Yekaterinburg, which is residence to numerous Russian army factories.

A Moscow court docket formally charged Gershkovich with espionage and ordered him to be held till May 29 pending an investigation, in accordance with Russian media reports. The Journal has vehemently denied that Gershkovich is a spy. The State Department has additionally referred to as him “wrongfully detained.”

Gershkovich, who’s being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo jail, has not been allowed to see any officers from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow regardless of “repeated demands for access” the Journal reported. So far, solely visits from his Russian attorneys have been allowed.

In an interview with NPR this week, Roger Carstens, a U.S. particular presidential envoy, vowed to free Gershkovich, in addition to former Marine Paul Whelan.

“In the 26 months of the Biden administration, we have introduced again 26 Americans. And we are going to carry Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich residence,” Carstens mentioned.

The subsequent day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, advised the state information company Tass that a prisoner swap is possible however solely after Gershkovich is placed on trial.

Gershkovich stays optimistic, jokes together with his household in a handwritten letter

His household in Philadelphia acquired the transient, two-page notice, dated April 5, on Friday, the Journal reported. It’s the primary direct contact Gershkovich has had together with his family members since his arrest.

He confirmed that he acquired a care bundle, organized by a buddy, containing toiletries, slippers, garments and pens. Gershkovich went on to poke enjoyable at his mom’s cooking — an try to bolster his household’s spirits, his mom advised the Journal.

“Mom, you unfortunately, for better or worse, prepared me well for jail food,” he wrote. “In the morning, for breakfast, they give us hot creamed wheat, oatmeal cereal or wheat gruel. I am remembering my childhood.”

At the tip of his notice, Gershkovich signed off: “Until we meet soon. Write me.”