Jailed US citizen, former marine taken to Russian hospital for undisclosed illness - report

Former US Marine Robert Gilman, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence in Russia, has been admitted to a hospital for an unspecified illness. The news was reported by the business daily Kommersant, which quoted Gilman's lawyer stating that treatment is underway but a diagnosis is not yet available.

Gilman's hospitalization has directly impacted legal proceedings. A court in the southern city of Voronezh postponed a hearing concerning a prosecutor's appeal against Gilman's latest sentence due to his illness. This appeal relates to convictions for assaulting prison officials and a state investigator, which have extended his original sentence.

The US State Department confirmed its awareness of Gilman's detention in Voronezh and is providing appropriate consular assistance. A spokesperson emphasized the department's commitment to assisting Americans abroad and stated they are closely tracking Mr. Gilman's case.

Gilman was initially jailed in 2022 for assaulting a police officer while intoxicated. His sentence has since been extended multiple times, with state media reporting a potential total sentence of 10 years following further convictions for assaulting prison staff. His lawyers have previously suggested he came to Russia to study and seek citizenship, and supporters in the US claim he was ill upon arrest and provoked into further altercations while in prison.

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We are aware that an American, Robert Gilman, is detained in Voronezh, Russia, and the Department is providing appropriate consular assistance. We take our commitment to assist Americans abroad seriously and will continue to track closely Mr. Gilman's case.