Evan Gershkovich, a US journalist and Russian citizen, appealed the Moscow court’s decision to extend his pretrial detention until February 12. Gershkovich was charged in September 2020 with slander and witness tampering. In December 2020, a Moscow court extended Gershkovich’s detention by four months. Gershkovich’s lawyer argued that the charges against his client are baseless and the evidence presented does not substantiate the slander or witness tampering accusations. The lawyer further argued that Gershkovich has solid ties to his home country, and thus does not pose a flight risk and should be released pending the trial. The lawyer went on to argue that Gershkovich’s detention is a form of political pressure. The court is expected to announce its decision on Gershkovich’s appeal in the coming days.