A Russian court sentenced US journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison on Friday as the espionage trial of the Wall Street Journal reporter concluded in Yekaterinburg. Russian news agencies reported the verdict after the prosecution earlier demanded an 18-year prison term for Gershkovich. The trial, which began on June 26, took place behind closed doors. Press freedom advocates, media outlets around the globe, and the US government have condemned Russia’s prosecution of Gershkovich as a sham and demanded his release. The 32-year-old reporter was arrested in March 2023. He is accused of…