After over a year of proceedings in the Russian court system, Wall Street Journal (Center bias) reporter Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Friday.

The Details: Gershkovich, was found guilty on charges of “gathering secret information” in what prosecutors claim was an attempt to attain secret information for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Gershkovich has maintained his innocence.

For Context: This is the first time since the Cold War that an American journalist has been arrested in Russia, with this case opening possibilities for more issues concerning freedom of the press in Russia. Currently, Gershkovich is one of many American citizens detained in Russia in recent years, raising concern over American citizens being utilized as “bargaining chips” with the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at possibly trading the reporter for Vadim Krasikov, a Russian national imprisoned for killing a Georgian citizen in Berlin.

Key Quote: The Wall Street Journal said in a statement Thursday that “Evan’s wrongful detention has been an outrage since his unjust arrest 477 days ago, and it must end now.”

How the Media Covered It: Media across the political spectrum displayed common ground, with all major Western outlets condemning the decision. Outlets like the New York Times (Lean Left bias) explained that the decision in Gershkovich’s case was founded with “unusual speed” and that the Russian court failed to provide evidence supporting the charge.