Russia seeks 18-year sentence for US reporter on trial on espionage charges

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a courtroom in Yekaterinburg, Russia (AP Photo, File)

Russian prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 18 years for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is on trial on espionage charges that he, his employer and the US vehemently deny.

Gershkovich appeared in court for a second straight day as the proceedings in Russia’s highly politicised legal system picked up speed.