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Former US Marine held in Russia near death, advocates say
🇺🇸 United States /Crime & Justice

Former US Marine held in Russia near death, advocates say

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, detained in Russia since 2022, is gravely ill and at risk of dying, according to his family and advocates.
  • Gilman has been in a psychiatric ward of a civilian hospital since early July, handcuffed to a bed and on a feeding tube, after suffering abuse in prison.
  • U.S. officials are deeply concerned about his health and have repeatedly requested his release on humanitarian grounds, urging Russia and the U.S. to find a solution.

A former U.S. Marine held in Russia for over four years on disputed charges is reportedly near death due to severe illness and alleged abuse in prison. Robert Gilman, 32, a teacher detained since 2022, has been in a "dissociative stupor" for 47 days, according to advocacy group Global Reach. His condition has worsened, with a high fever and high blood pressure since Tuesday.

I am more afraid for my brother than I have been since this horrible nightmare started. I'm worried that I may never see him again if the Russians don't release him. I'm worried that he could die.

— Lexie HudsonGilman's sister, expressing her fear for his life.

Gilman has been moved from a prison to a civilian hospital, where he is reportedly handcuffed to a bed and connected to a feeding tube. His mother traveled to Russia weeks ago to see him, but hospital officials denied her access. Gilman's lawyer confirmed he is in a psychiatric ward and has not been able to visit him, leading to complaints filed with local authorities.

His sister, Lexie Hudson, expressed extreme fear for her brother's life, stating, "I'm worried that I may never see him again if the Russians don't release him. I'm worried that he could die." U.S. Senator Edward Markey echoed these concerns, calling for urgent action to release Gilman for medical care in the United States. He implored both governments to find a solution to prevent further complications in their already strained relationship.

I am very worried that, if urgent action is not taken to release Robert so he can receive urgent medical care in the United States, his condition could become permanent, or he could die in Russian custody. I implore the United States and Russian governments to find a solution before we find ourselves in a situation that will further complicate an already difficult relationship.

— U.S. Sen. Edward MarkeyCalling for urgent action to release Gilman for medical care.

The U.S. State Department stated it is "deeply concerned about Robert Gilman's health and continued detention in Russia." A spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. government has repeatedly raised his case with Russia, requesting his release on humanitarian grounds. The department reiterated its commitment to assisting Americans abroad and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Given these health concerns, the U.S. government has raised his case repeatedly with the Russian government and has requested his release on humanitarian grounds.

— State Department spokespersonDescribing the U.S. government's actions regarding Gilman's case.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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