MOSCOW, April 23 (RAPSI) – The prosecution has completed the presentation of evidence incriminating Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko in espionage in the Moscow City Court, his attorney Mark Feygin told RAPSI on Monday.

“The prosecution has completed the presentation of evidence in the case against Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko in the Moscow City Court. On May 25, 2018, the defense will commence to present its written evidence and pleas,” Feygin said.

Late in March the court started hearings of the Sushchenko case on the merits. The journalist pleaded not guilty to espionage.

According to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the Ukrainian citizen has "purposively collected classified information about the Armed Forces and National Guard of Russia." Leak of data abroad could cause damage to the national defense capability, the FSB officials claimed earlier.

Charges were brought against Sushchenko in October 2016. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Ukrinform news agency earlier confirmed that Sushchenko had been acting as its reporter since 2002. Since 2010, he has been working as Ukrinform’s personal correspondent in France. According to the agency, Sushchenko arrived in Moscow on private business during his vacation and was arrested immediately upon his arrival.

Ukrinform repelled accusations against Sushchenko calling him "a journalist with years of unblemished professional reputation.”