<p>Moscow has formally charged US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage, Russian news agencies reported Friday, adding that he had denied the accusations.</p>.<p>The arrest of <em>Wall Street Journal</em> correspondent Evan Gershkovich prompted an outcry from media outlets and rights groups, as well as government officials in Washington.</p>.<p>"FSB investigators charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country," Russian state-run agency <em>TASS</em> said, citing a law enforcement source.</p>.<p>"He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," <em>TASS</em> said.</p>.<p>Gershkovich's arrest is seen as a serious escalation of Moscow's crackdown on the media.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/pointless-to-pressure-russia-over-jailed-us-reporter-moscow-1207453.html" target="_blank">'Pointless' to pressure Russia over jailed US reporter: Moscow</a></strong></p>.<p>His publication, one of the most prestigious in the United States, "vehemently denies the allegations" against its "trusted and dedicated reporter".</p>.<p>The case has been classified as secret, limiting the amount of information available.</p>.<p>His arrest also comes as Moscow's relationships with Washington has been severely downgraded because of the Ukraine offensive.</p>.<p>Washington has long accused Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans in order to secure the release of detained Russians.</p>.<p>US President Joe Biden called for Gershkovich's release on Friday, the White House calling the accusations against him "ridiculous".</p>.<p>Russia said on Thursday it was "pointless" to try to pressure Moscow over the case.</p>
<p>Moscow has formally charged US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage, Russian news agencies reported Friday, adding that he had denied the accusations.</p>.<p>The arrest of <em>Wall Street Journal</em> correspondent Evan Gershkovich prompted an outcry from media outlets and rights groups, as well as government officials in Washington.</p>.<p>"FSB investigators charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country," Russian state-run agency <em>TASS</em> said, citing a law enforcement source.</p>.<p>"He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," <em>TASS</em> said.</p>.<p>Gershkovich's arrest is seen as a serious escalation of Moscow's crackdown on the media.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/pointless-to-pressure-russia-over-jailed-us-reporter-moscow-1207453.html" target="_blank">'Pointless' to pressure Russia over jailed US reporter: Moscow</a></strong></p>.<p>His publication, one of the most prestigious in the United States, "vehemently denies the allegations" against its "trusted and dedicated reporter".</p>.<p>The case has been classified as secret, limiting the amount of information available.</p>.<p>His arrest also comes as Moscow's relationships with Washington has been severely downgraded because of the Ukraine offensive.</p>.<p>Washington has long accused Moscow of arbitrarily arresting Americans in order to secure the release of detained Russians.</p>.<p>US President Joe Biden called for Gershkovich's release on Friday, the White House calling the accusations against him "ridiculous".</p>.<p>Russia said on Thursday it was "pointless" to try to pressure Moscow over the case.</p>