Gershkovich often smiles and appears in good spirits during his court appearances, but a year in custody, without much in the way of a promising resolution, is weighing heavily on his family and friends.
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U.S. reporter marks one year in a Russian prison
NBC News spoke to The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's family and some of his closest friends, as his arrest on espionage charges by Russian security forces reaches one year.
In an interview with NBC News' Andrea Mitchell, Gershkovich's parents and sister discuss his passion for reporting and their optimism that he will be released.
The 32-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in late March 2023 while on a reporting trip and has spent nearly a year behind bars. His arrest was extended until June 30.
A deal to free Alexei Navalny in exchange for Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov was in the works before the opposition leader’s death, sources said, with Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan also involved in the mooted deal.
