Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman released from Russian prison
A former U.S. Marine who spent more than four years in a Russian prison on disputed charges and is believed to be seriously ill, has been released and is on his way back to the United States, reports BritPanorama.
“I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!” Trump stated in a Truth Social post, noting that he had discussed the release with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Gilman had been freed “very much on a Humanitarian Basis,” he added, clarifying that no exchange had taken place.
Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., revealed that Gilman was gravely ill, having been diagnosed with a “dissociative stupor — a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat” approximately 50 days ago.
“He was essentially catatonic and also suffered a severe case of pneumonia. We don’t yet know the full details of his current condition or the long-term impact on his recovery,” Markey noted, highlighting his efforts in campaigning for Gilman’s release.
Gilman, 32, was detained since 2022 and initially handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted of beating a police officer following an incident on a train. His circumstances worsened, as after his initial conviction, he faced additional charges, leading to an extended sentence of eight years and one month in October 2024 for assaulting a prison inspector during a cell check, and later, ten years for further assaults on prison guards.
He was among at least 10 Americans known to be imprisoned in Russia.
