The trial of Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist accused of espionage in Russia, began on Wednesday behind closed doors.

U.S. officials have criticized the Kremlin for using the case for political purposes.

The trial in Sverdlovsk Regional Court in Yekaterinburg marks the first presentation of evidence against the Wall Street Journal reporter, who is accused of working for the CIA.

The case has been widely condemned by U.S. officials, press-freedom advocates, and the Wall Street Journal’s editor and publisher.

Emma Tucker, the Journal’s editor-in-chief, emphasized that the trial lacks the presumption of innocence and truth-seeking.

Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 while reporting in the Sverdlovsk region, with Russian officials alleging he was gathering military secrets for the CIA, ABC News has reported.

Prosecutors recently approved the indictment, sending the case to trial. Gershkovich appeared in court on Wednesday, smiling briefly at photographers from within a glass cage.

U.S. Embassy officials were granted brief access to Gershkovich before the trial began. They criticized the lack of evidence and adherence to legal norms, stating that the case is politically motivated.

In April 2023, U.S. officials declared Gershkovich’s detention wrongful, accusing Russia of silencing opposition and waging a “war against the truth.”

Written by B.C. Begley