(Moscow) The defense of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia last week on “espionage” charges which he denies, appealed his detention on Monday, a Moscow court said.

“The date of the hearing regarding the detention appeal will be announced this week,” a spokeswoman for the Lefortovo court said.

Evan Gershkovich, Russia correspondent for the prestigious US daily Wall Street Journal and former AFP reporter in Moscow, was remanded in custody last week until at least May 29.