Evan Gershkovich trial begins in Russia
Evan Gershkovich is a Wall Street Journal reporter and U.S. citizen who has spent 15 months in a notorious Moscow prison. Yesterday, his trial finally began.
Shortly before proceedings began, reporters filmed Gershkovich standing in a glass cage and nodding to people in the courtroom, the video shows.
Gershkovich, 32, faces up to 20 years in a penal colony on an espionage charge that he, his employers and the United States say are false and politically motivated. There was no doubt about the outcome of the trial, but perhaps there was hope: an exchange of prisoners.
“It is widely believed that the Russian government views his case as leverage to detain Russians — both in the United States and other Western countries,” said Ivan, my colleague who covered the Gershkovic case in Tbilisi, Georgia. ·Ivan Nechepurenko said.
“There will be this trial, but the more important process will be the ongoing negotiations between Russian and U.S. intelligence services on a potential prisoner exchange,” Ivan said.
Russian authorities have yet to reveal any evidence to support their accusations. Observers were barred from attending the trial, which began in the industrial city of Yekaterinburg near the Ural Mountains. His lawyers are prohibited from publicly disclosing any information they have learned.
But Ivan said Gershkovic’s massive public support could increase pressure on U.S. negotiators, much as it did for WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia detained and released at the end of 2022.
“It basically all depends on whether the United States and Russia can reach a deal,” Ivan told me. Gershkovich is the first Western journalist to be arrested in Russia on espionage charges since the 1980s.
Also in Russia: A famous playwright and a director were prosecuted over their works. Cultural figures say their trial on terrorism charges is a chilling sign of growing repression.
Kenyan leaders withdraw tax bill
President William Ruto suddenly said yesterday that he would not sign a controversial finance bill, a day after rights groups said at least 23 people died during protests against the measure in Nairobi.
“I acknowledge that, listening carefully to the people of Kenya, they have loudly said that they want nothing to do with this finance bill and therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill,” Ruto said in a speech to the country. and will subsequently be withdrawn.
Tuesday marked one of the bloodiest days in Kenya’s recent history. Ruto deployed the military to deal with what he called “treasonous” protests. Some vowed to march again today to protest the crackdown and mourn the victims.
context: Kenya is Africa’s fastest-growing economy but is on the brink of fiscal disaster, with domestic and foreign public debt reaching $80 billion. Ruto supports the bill as a way to stabilize the economy. Opponents argue that tax increases would increase the cost of living too much.
Bolivia’s military accused of attempted coup
President Luis Arce said on social media yesterday that members of the Bolivian military gathered outside the presidential palace to stage a coup.
The operation appeared to be an attempt by a general to seize a government building.
General Juan José Zuniga, standing at the entrance to a palace in La Paz, surrounded by members of the armed forces, said the Bolivian army, air force and navy were “mobilized” and “the police force is with us.”
Former President Evo Morales claimed a “coup” was underway. “Currently, armed forces personnel and tanks are deployed in Plaza Murillo,” he said on social media. “Let us call on social movements in rural and urban areas to defend democracy.”
More headlines
A deadly fungal disease has devastated the world’s frog populations. But scientists may have come up with a solution: saunas.
Australian researchers have found that sun-heated bricks attract green and gold bell frogs, a vulnerable species, and raise their body temperatures, helping them fight infection and giving them a level of immunity.
conversation starter
Is India the future of international brands?
In a global market reshaped by instability, especially hostility between China and the United States, some multinational retailers are moving away from Chinese factories. Instead, many are looking to India, which may be on the verge of becoming a major manufacturing power.
The shift could strengthen global supply chains and boost India’s wealth. According to an independent research organization, the country has a working-age population of about 1 billion, but only about 430 million people are employed. Growing exports could be a source of new job opportunities – especially for women, who have been largely excluded from the formal workforce.
