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 hours after the prosecution 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 condemned Russia’s prosecution of Gershkovich as a sham and demanded his release. Journalism is no crime US President Joe Biden said Gershkovich had “committe…