Severely ill former US soldier released from Russian prison

Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, has been released from a Russian prison after more than four years of detention. His release, facilitated by a presidential pardon from Vladimir Putin on humanitarian grounds, comes after a prolonged period of reported illness and mistreatment.

Gilman, 32, is reportedly on his way to a U.S. military hospital in Texas, where he will undergo comprehensive medical and psychological treatment. His family has traveled to Texas to support him. His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent months, with supporters stating he was barely responsive and at risk of death due to alleged abuse in prison.

Originally arrested in January 2022, Gilman was initially sentenced to three and a half years for allegedly striking a police officer. His sentence was later extended multiple times due to further convictions for assaults on prison staff, an investigator, and a guard, ultimately reaching a ten-year term. Gilman's case highlights the plight of U.S. citizens detained in Russia, with at least ten known to be currently imprisoned.