Former US Marine held in Russia for more than 4 years has been released, his advocates say
WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia has released an American military veteran who spent more than four years in prison on disputed charges under abusive conditions and was said to be gravely ill and at risk of dying, a group advocating for him said…
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine and teacher, has been released from a Russian prison after more than four years of detention. Gilman, who was initially sentenced to 3 1/2 years in 2022, was convicted of multiple assaults on prison staff and guards. His sentence was extended to 10 years in October 2024 following further convictions.
Gilman's condition had reportedly been dire, with hospital reports describing his state as "dissociative stupor" and "life-threatening." He was moved to a civilian hospital where he was found in such a critical condition that medical and psychological assessment was deemed necessary.
Global Reach, a group advocating for Gilman and other detained Americans abroad, confirmed his release on Tuesday. The organization stated that he will be transported to a U.S. military hospital in Texas for further evaluation and treatment. His mother and family members accompanied him to Texas, where they hoped to provide him with ongoing support.
The U.S. government's intervention was prompted by the dire health situation Gilman was in, leading to a decision to release him unilaterally. Senator Edward Markey had previously urged Russia and the U.S. to collaborate on his release. Gilman was one of several Americans still held in Russian custody following recent high-profile prisoner exchanges between the countries.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
