Former US Marine Robert Gilman fighting for his life in Russian custody, advocates say

Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, has been in Russian custody since 2022 and is currently fighting for his life. The 32-year-old is believed to have been tortured and injected with mind-altering drugs, causing him to slip into a stupor in June. His condition may be worsening, and he could be close to death, according to two hostage advocacy groups and his sister. The White House and State Department have been urging Moscow to release Gilman so he can receive urgent medical treatment in the U.S.

Gilman was arrested in January 2022 in Voronezh, Russia, for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk. However, his father claims the charges were false as his son was ill at the time and accidentally kicked the officer, who was not injured. Gilman was sentenced to 4.5 years in jail, but his sentence was extended in 2024 to 10 years due to allegations of assaulting prison staff.

Gilman is being fed through a tube, and his condition has prevented him from attending court hearings. He is currently being held in a civilian emergency hospital in Voronezh, about 340 miles south of Moscow. The hospital has barred Gilman's mother from visiting him despite having a judicial order, and U.S. consular officials have only been allowed to visit him occasionally. His sister expressed deep concern for her brother's health and urged for his release.