Ednews reports citing TASS that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges, was caught red-handed, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

 

"This is, you know, the prerogative of the FSB. They have already made a statement. We have nothing to add here. The only thing I can add is that, as far as we know, he was caught red-handed," he said, responding to a question about how the Kremlin felt about the situation with the detention of Gershkovich.

 

The Kremlin spokesman expressed hope that this would not be followed by the closure of Russian corps offices in the United States. "It shouldn't be, because, once again, we are not talking about suspicion, we are talking about the fact that he was detained red-handed," he pointed out.

 

Peskov does not see any problems for other Wall Street Journal reporters who are engaged in journalism to continue their work in Russia. "Those who conduct appropriate journalistic activities, naturally given they have valid accreditation, will be able to continue working", he assured in response to a question whether the remaining journalists may be deported from the Russian Federation or they may stay in the country.

 

The Kremlin spokesman confirmed that the Kremlin was familiar with Gershkovich's publications. "Of course, we monitor foreign media, we do it daily, so we know his publications," he said. When asked about his attitude toward these publications, Peskov said, "We take into account what is published."