In March 2024, Evan Gershkovich’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, spoke with ABC News one year after their son was arrested in Russia. Evan, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was covering the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has been involved in some of the heaviest fighting in eastern Ukraine. He was detained while on assignment, as reported by the BBC.
Who Are Evan Gershkovich’s Parents?
Evan’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, are Russian immigrants. They fled their home country in 1979 due to the rampant antisemitism they faced as Jewish people living in the Soviet Union. Despite leaving Russia separately, they eventually found each other in America. The couple met in New York while working as computer programmers at the same company. They later moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where they raised Evan and his sister, Danielle.
How Did Evan’s Upbringing Influence Him?
Mikhail and Ella raised their children as American-born but culturally Russian. At home, they ate Russian food, watched Russian programs, and spoke Russian. This unique upbringing gave Evan a deep connection to his Russian heritage, which played a role in his decision to work in Russia as a journalist. His background and fluency in Russian made him well-suited to cover complex stories in the region.
Is Evan Gershkovich Married?
Evan Gershkovich is single. However, he has a strong support network of friends from around the world. When his incarceration reached the one-year mark, the Wall Street Journal spoke to some of his closest friends. They expressed their sorrow over the year of his life that he had lost. His friends keep him updated on their lives through letters. One of his friends, Pjotr Sauer, a reporter at The Guardian living in London, mentioned that Evan had planned for 2023 to be his year of sports. His friends are doing their best to keep his spirit up and maintain their connection with him.
What Was Evan Gershkovich Accused Of?
According to the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich was falsely accused of espionage. The Russian government charged him with gathering information about a Russian defense contractor on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) while he was working in Yekaterinburg, about 900 miles east of Moscow. Despite these serious allegations, there has been no concrete evidence to support the claims.
What Happened at Evan’s Trial?
In a secret trial held in July 2024, Evan was found guilty of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a high-security penal colony. The trial’s secrecy and the harsh sentence have drawn international condemnation. President Joe Biden has spoken out about Evan’s case, stating that he was “targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American.” President Biden has vowed to continue advocating for Evan’s release.
How Are Evan’s Parents Coping?
Mikhail and Ella remain hopeful despite the devastating news of their son’s guilty conviction. In their interview with ABC News, they expressed their desire for Evan to come home soon. They continue to advocate for his release and remain strong in the face of adversity. The support from their community and the international outcry have given them some comfort during this difficult time.
What Is the International Response?
Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and conviction have sparked outrage from the international community. Journalists, human rights organizations, and governments worldwide have condemned the actions taken against him. Many see Evan’s detention as an attack on press freedom and a tactic to intimidate foreign journalists working in Russia. Efforts to secure his release are ongoing, with many calling for diplomatic negotiations and pressure on the Russian government.
What Are Evan’s Friends Doing to Help?
Evan’s friends are actively supporting him through this challenging time. They regularly write letters to him, sharing updates on their lives and expressing their solidarity. They also work to keep his story in the public eye, raising awareness about his unjust detention. Their goal is to ensure that Evan is not forgotten and that pressure continues to mount for his release.
Evan Gershkovich’s story is a poignant reminder of the dangers journalists face while reporting in hostile environments. His unjust arrest and conviction highlight the ongoing struggles for press freedom and the need for international solidarity. As Evan’s family, friends, and colleagues continue to fight for his release, his case remains a significant issue in global discussions about human rights and freedom of the press. The hope is that, through continued advocacy and diplomatic efforts, Evan will eventually be reunited with his family and return to his work as a journalist.
