MOSCOW — The Kremlin on Tuesday held the door open for contacts with the U.S. relating to a doable prisoner trade that might probably contain jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, however reaffirmed that such talks have to be held out of the general public eye.
Asked whether or not Monday’s consular visits to Gershkovich, who has been held behind bars in Moscow since March on prices of espionage, and Vladimir Dunaev, a Russian citizen in U.S. custody on cybercrime prices, might probably herald a prisoner swap, Kremlin spokesman
Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow and Washington have touched on the difficulty.
“We have said that there have been certain contacts on the subject, but we don’t want them to be discussed in public,” Peskov stated in a convention name with reporters. “They must be carried out and continue in complete silence.”
He didn’t supply any additional particulars, however added that “the lawful right to consular contacts must be ensured on both sides.”
The U.S. Ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, on Monday was allowed to go to Gershkovich for the primary time since April. The U.S. Embassy didn’t instantly present extra info.
The 31-year-old Gershkovich was arrested within the metropolis of Yekaterinburg whereas on a reporting journey to Russia. He is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo jail, infamous for its harsh circumstances. A Moscow courtroom final week upheld a ruling to maintain him in custody till Aug. 30.
Gershkovich and his employer deny the allegations, and the U.S. authorities declared him to be wrongfully detained. His arrest rattled journalists in Russia the place authorities haven’t offered any proof to help the espionage prices.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”