What to know from the first day of US journalist Evan Gershkovich's trial in Russia

Here's a look at what we know about the first day of the trial for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been charged in Russia with espionage — charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government deny.

Where was the trial he ld?

It was held Wednesday in the Sverdlovsky Regional Court in the city of Yekaterinburg, about 880 miles (1,416 kilometers) east of Moscow. Gershkovich was arrested in the city in March 2023 while on a reporting trip.

What happened in court?

Since the session was closed, it’s uncertain what happened. Journalists and two U.S. consular officials were allowed in the courtroom for a short time before the trial got underway. Gershkovich, 32, appeared with his head shaved, wearing a black-and-blue plaid shirt. Then the court was closed. The session lasted about two hours, with the next hearing scheduled for Aug. 13.

Why was his head shaved?

Also not clear. Some inmates in Russia might have their heads shaved or their hair cut short for sanitary reasons. It has been rarely seen in recent cases.

Why is this case significant?

Gershkovich, the American-born son of immigrants from the USSR, is the first Western journalist arrested on espionage charges in post-Soviet Russia. Russian authorities, without presenting evidence, claimed he was gathering secret information for the U.S. The State Department has declared him “wrongfully detained,” thereby committing the government to assertively seek his release. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, which is almost a certainty since Russian courts convict more than 99% of the defendants who come before them.

What does the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government say?

Almar Latour, Dow Jones CEO and publisher of the Journal, and