The noise in the media surrounding the case of “The Wall Street Journal” correspondent Evan Hershkovich, who was arrested in Russia on suspicion of espionage, does not help his case, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

“We are observing an unusual dynamic for creating noise around the (Hershkovich) situation on the part of the American authorities and other structures,” said the spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, during the weekly press briefing, EFE and Agerpres reported.

She added that it was apparently thought that more noise would “help” the reporter.

“Perhaps they forgot about the previous cases when it did not help,” Zakharova said.

“We act in full compliance with our laws”

Earlier, Russia acknowledged that it had not yet granted permission to the US consulate in Moscow for a representative to visit Hershkovich in prison, saying the request was under review.

“In this situation, we act in full compliance with our legislation, taking into account, of course, the relevant provisions of the (Vienna) Convention on Consular Communications. We are also guided by the practical experience accumulated in this area, so we will not tolerate any attempts at pressure,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Ryabkov.

On April 7, the Federal Security Service (FSB, formerly the KGB) officially accused the American journalist of espionage.

The reporter’s lawyers contested his detention, and dozens of independent Russian journalists signed a letter demanding his release and acquittal of espionage under Article 276 of the Criminal Code, which carries up to 20 years in prison.

Both the White House and The Wall Street Journal denied the allegations by Russian security forces against the American correspondent and demanded his immediate release.

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