History of Evan Gershkovich in Timeline
Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter covering Russia, was arrested in March 2023 on espionage charges, the first such instance involving an American journalist in Russia since the Cold War. The arrest drew condemnation from the White House and media organizations. Following a trial, Gershkovich was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison in July 2024.
1979: Gershkovich's Parents Emigrate to the United States
Evan Gershkovich's parents, Ella and Mikhail Gershkovich, emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1979 through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program.
October 26, 1991: Evan Gershkovich is Born
Evan Gershkovich was born on October 26, 1991.
2010: Gershkovich Graduates High School
In 2010, Evan Gershkovich graduated from Princeton High School, where he was captain of the soccer team.
2014: Gershkovich Graduates from Bowdoin College
Evan Gershkovich graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014 with degrees in philosophy and English.
2016: Gershkovich's Time at The New York Times
Evan Gershkovich worked for The New York Times from 2016 to 2017.
2016: The New York Times Employs Gershkovich
The New York Times employed Evan Gershkovich from 2016 to 2017.
2017: Gershkovich Begins Work at The Moscow Times
Evan Gershkovich worked at The Moscow Times from 2017 to 2020.
2017: Gershkovich Leaves The New York Times
Evan Gershkovich's employment at The New York Times ended in 2017.
2018: Paul Whelan Accused of Espionage in Russia
Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was accused of espionage in Russia in 2018.
2019: Gershkovich Highlights OVD-Info in The Moscow Times
In 2019, Evan Gershkovich published his first story for The Moscow Times, bringing attention to the non-governmental organization OVD-Info.
2020: Gershkovich Joins Agence France-Presse
Evan Gershkovich worked for Agence France-Presse from 2020 to 2022.
January 2022: Gershkovich Joins The Wall Street Journal
Evan Gershkovich began working for The Wall Street Journal in January 2022.
January 2023: Maria Mayer and Ludwig Gisch Arrested
In January 2023, Maria Mayer and Ludwig Gisch were arrested in Slovenia on charges of spying for Russia. This event fueled speculation that they could be part of a potential prisoner swap involving Evan Gershkovich.
March 29, 2023: Gershkovich Detained in Yekaterinburg
On March 29, 2023, Evan Gershkovich was detained by the counterintelligence department of the Federal Security Service (FSB) while on assignment in Yekaterinburg, Russia. He was accused of having information on a "Russian defence enterprise."
April 10, 2023: US Declares Gershkovich 'Wrongfully Detained'
On April 10, 2023, the US State Department officially designated Evan Gershkovich as "wrongfully detained."
April 27, 2023: US Sanctions Russian FSB over Gershkovich Detention
On April 27, 2023, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), accusing them of wrongfully detaining Evan Gershkovich.
2023: Gershkovich Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Following his arrest, Evan Gershkovich was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.
June 26, 2024: Gershkovich's Trial Begins in Russia
Evan Gershkovich's trial on espionage charges began in Russia on June 26, 2024.
July 18, 2024: Gershkovich Appears in Russian Court
Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Russian court on July 18, 2024, facing charges of espionage.
July 19, 2024: Gershkovich Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison
On July 19, 2024, Evan Gershkovich was found guilty of spying and espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison in Russia.
