Evan Gershkovich’s trial begins in Russia
Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter and American citizen, has served 15 months in a notorious Moscow prison. Yesterday, His trial has finally begun..
Shortly before the trial began, reporters photographed Gershkovic standing in a glass cage and nodding to people in the courtroom. Video Display.
Gershkovic, 32, faces up to 20 years in prison for espionage, a charge he, his employer and the United States say is spurious and politically motivated. The outcome of the trial is almost certain, but there may be hope: a prisoner swap.
“There’s a widespread belief that the Russian government sees his case as leverage to keep Russians detained — either in the U.S. or other Western countries,” said my colleague Ivan Nechepurenko, who is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and has covered Gershkevich’s case.
“There will be trials, but the more important process is the negotiations between Russian and American intelligence services on a possible prisoner exchange,” Ivan said.
Russian authorities have not released any evidence to support their allegations. Spectators have been barred from attending the trial, which has begun in the industrial city of Yekaterinburg near the Ural Mountains. His lawyers have also been barred from publicly revealing any information they learn.
But Ivan said Gershkovic has a lot of public support that could put more pressure on U.S. negotiators, just like WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia and released in late 2022.
“It basically depends on whether the United States and Russia can come to an agreement,” Ivan told me. Gershkovic is the first Western journalist to be arrested in Russia for espionage since the 1980s.
Also in Russia: A famous playwright and a director are Being sued for work.Cultural figures say their trial on terrorism charges is a chilling sign of a deepening crackdown.
Kenyan leaders withdraw tax bill
President William Ruto suddenly changed his statement yesterday, saying He will not sign controversial finance billThe day before, human rights groups said at least 23 people were killed in protests against the measure in Nairobi.
“Having listened carefully to the voices of the Kenyan people, I acknowledge that they do not want to sign this finance bill, therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it will subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto said in his address to the nation.
Tuesday was Kenya’s bloodiest day in recent years as Ruto deployed the army to deal with what he called “treasonous” protests. Some have vowed to march again today to protest the crackdown and mourn the victims.
context: Kenya is the fastest growing economy in Africa, but it is also On the brink of financial disasterwith domestic and foreign public debts as high as $80 billion. Ruto supports the bill as a way to stabilize the economy. Opponents argue that the tax increase will make the cost of living too high.
Bolivian military accused of coup attempt
Bolivian President Luis Arce said on social media yesterday that members of the Bolivian military gathered outside the presidential palace Failed coup.
The action appeared to be an effort by a general to capture a government building.
Standing outside the presidential palace in La Paz, surrounded by members of the military, General Juan José Zúñiga said Bolivia’s army, air force and navy had been “mobilized” and that “the police forces are also with us.”
Former President Evo Morales claimed a “coup” was underway. He said on social media: “At the moment, armed forces personnel and tanks are deployed in Plaza Murillo. Let us call on social movements in the countryside and cities to defend democracy.”
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Is India the future for international brands?
As global markets are reshaped by turbulent forces, especially hostility between China and the United States, some multinational retailers are abandoning Chinese factories. Watching IndiaChina may be on the verge of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse.
The shift could strengthen global supply chains and boost wealth in India, which has about 1 billion working-age people but only 430 million jobs, according to an independent research firm. Rising exports could lead to new jobs — especially for women, who have been largely excluded from the formal workforce.
