The US and Russia are negotiating a swap in which ten alleged Russian spies would be released in exchange for an alleged US spy held for the past decade in Russia. The Russian suspects were detained in recent days following a reportedly decade-long investigation. Prosecutors have claimed they were directed not to infiltrate US agencies or steal secrets, but to gather information on individuals and issues that could affect US-Russia relations. The rumored exchange is said to hinge on the Russian suspects reaching a plea deal in a New York federal court. On Thursday, one of the suspects, Vicky Peláez, a columnist for the New York-based Spanish-language newspaper El Diario, was ordered to remain in prison after having initially been granted release on bail. Defense attorney John Rodriguez criticized the ruling.

John Rodriguez: “I can tell you, she is in — she’s in poor spirits right now. She’s not well. She’s tired. She had hoped to get out. Remember, she’s in secured facilities, and there’s very little contact with anyone, and she’s not feeling well right now. She’s very saddened by the turn of events.”