A spy charge, a Russian jail and a swap for an assassin: the story of Evan Gershkovich
Summary
Evan Gershevich recounts his 16-month imprisonment in Russia after being set up by the FSB to secure a prisoner swap. He details the chilling reality of Lefortovo prison, his relationship with a cellmate, and the political maneuvering behind his fabricated espionage charges. Gershevich explains how the death of Alexei Navalny initially stalled the deal, leading to his eventual conviction and release in August 2024. The episode explores the intersection of journalism, state power, and personal identity in modern Russia.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Stamps.com sponsor
The arrest: A meeting that turned into a trap
Episode intro and host welcome
Evan's background and childhood in Russia
Early career and the changing political climate
The rise and fall of Alexei Navalny
US-Russia tensions and the start of the war
Reporting from Belarus and Putin's warning to FSB
The sting operation and realization of the trap
Initial detention and the 'exchange fund'
Life inside Lefortovo prison
Cellmate dynamics and maintaining a routine
The failed prisoner swap and Navalny's death
Withdrawing from the outside world
Stamps.com sponsor break
The sham trial and sudden breakthrough
Sentencing, pardon, and release
Reunion with family in the US
Reflections on Russia and the future
Outro and credits
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