Russian President Vladimir Putin told Tucker Carlson he would “not rule out” the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, though he continued to claim Gershkovich dabbled in espionage. It’s the latest indication that Russia’s leader is open to releasing the Journal reporter, who has been imprisoned in the country for nearly a year as he awaits trial on an allegation of espionage. The Journal, parent company Dow Jones, and Gershkovich have all denied the allegation, while the newspaper has decried Gershkovich’s detention as “chilling and outrageous.”Carlson himself tried to compel Putin to release Gershkovich, whose arrest the U.S. has deemed a wrongful detention, during the interview. “At the end of the day, it does not make any sense to keep him in prison in Russia,” Putin responded, saying both countries remained in discussions. A Russian court extended Gershkovich’s detention for a fourth time last month, indicating the reporter may spend a full year in prison before he goes to trial.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 09, 2024 08:10 UTC