Russia’s Lavrov tells Blinken it’s unacceptable to politicise case of detained WSJ reporter By Reuters

(Reuters) – Russian Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov instructed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday it was unacceptable for Washington to politicise the case of Wall Avenue Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained and accused of spying in Russia.

The Russian Overseas Ministry stated Lavrov instructed Blinken in a cellphone name that Gershkovich’s destiny could be decided by a court docket. He reiterated Russia’s assertion, for which it has not publicly said any proof, that the journalist was caught “red-handed” final week.

“Blinken’s consideration was drawn to the necessity to respect the selections of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the regulation and worldwide obligations of the Russian Federation,” the ministry stated.

“It was emphasised that it’s unacceptable for officers in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political coloring.”

The dialog was initiated by Blinken, the Russian facet stated.

Russia’s FSB safety service stated on Thursday it had arrested Gershkovich, accusing him of gathering details about a Russian defence firm that was a state secret.

The Wall Avenue Journal has vehemently denied that Gershkovich was spying. The White Home has referred to as the espionage cost, which carries a jail time period of as much as 20 years, “ridiculous”.