YEKATERINBURG, Russia (NEWSnet/AP) — A Russia court on Friday convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges.

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison after a secretive, rapid trial.

Gershkovich has denied the charges. U.S. officials and The Wall Street Journal denounced the trial as a sham.

Gershkovich, 32, was detained in March 2023 while on a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg and accused of spying for the U.S. He has been in jail since.

Closing arguments took place in private at the trial. Gershkovich did not admit guilt, according to the court's press service.

He is the first U.S. journalist to be accused of espionage since the Cold War.

Unlike the trial's opening on June 26 and prior hearings, in which reporters were allowed to see Gershkovich briefly before sessions began, there was no access to the courtroom this week. Cases of espionage and treason typically are shrouded in secrecy.

Russia’s courts convict more than 99% of defendants, and prosecutors may appeal sentences they regard as too lenient. They also are allowed to appeal acquittals.

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