Russian prosecutors at the trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich on Friday demanded that he be imprisoned for 18 years on spying accusations, Russian news media reported.
The Wall Street Journal writer will face a verdict within hours, according to the agencies.
Gershkovich, his publication, and the US government all deny the allegations of spying.
Prosecutors proposed a sentence of two years less than the maximum 20 years imposed by Russian law for espionage.
Gershkovich is accused of obtaining information on behalf of the US Central Intelligence Agency regarding a Russian company that manufactures tanks for the war in Ukraine.
His newspaper has stated that the trial is a charade with a predetermined outcome.
He was detained on March 29, 2023, and has been incarcerated primarily in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison.
The Kremlin claims he was captured “red-handed,” but has not provided evidence.
