"Did Vladimir Putin really think I was a spy?": American journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Kremlin hostage, opens up about his detention

Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, was imprisoned in Russia for 491 days on espionage charges. After his release in August 2024, he struggles with anxiety and panic attacks triggered by reminders of his imprisonment. Gershkovich recounts how even mundane experiences, like the mention of prison food, can provoke intense emotional responses. His recent visit to a film depicting former political prisoners brought back traumatic memories, forcing him to leave the theater.