Former U.S. Marine released from detention in Russia after four years
by Darryl Coote · UPIAug. 11 (UPI) -- Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, was released from detention in Russia and was on his way back to the United States on Tuesday.
Gilman, 32, was held in a Russian prison for more than four years and was released amid severe concerns for his health.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he discussed the case with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to release Gilman on a humanitarian basis.
"We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return -- no exchange took place," Trump wrote. He said he spoke with Gilman, who had one request: "a GREAT cheeseburger when he lands."
Gilman was expected to arrive later Tuesday at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. He would then be taken to a U.S. military hospital in Texas to be treated and assessed, Global Reach, an organization advocating on the behalf of Gilman's family, told UPI in a emailed statement.
Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., whose office has worked with Gilman's family and campaigned for his release, said in a statement that Gilman was diagnosed about 50 days ago with "a dissociative stupor -- a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat."
"He was essentially catatonic and also suffered a severe case of pneumonia," Markey said in a statement. "We don't yet know the full details of his current condition or the long-term impact on his recovery."
Russian authorities in the southwestern city of Voronezh arrested Gilman on Jan. 17, 2022, for allegedly beating a police officer. He was given a 3 ½-year sentence that was extended several times to 10 years for allegedly attacking prison guards. His supporters deny the allegations.
On June 30, Gilman was moved form his prison hospital to a civilian hospital in Voronezh, where officials reported his status as "dire and life-threatening," according to Global Reach, which told UPI that his condition prompted the Trump administration to act.
His family, including his mother, who had flown to Russia in an attempt to see Gilman at the hospital, has been flown to Texas to meet him when he arrives.
"I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life," Gilman's sister, Lexie Hudson, said in a statement.
"The Russians treated my brother so badly," she continued. "They hurt him for no reason, other than that he was both an American and a Marine. What did they get out of this? Why did they do this to such a wonderful person?"
Markey welcomed Gilman's release, but said it was overdue.
"It is a tragedy that it took Robert's near-death condition for his case to receive the attention that it required for his release to be negotiated," he said.
"Throughout his detention, Robert was subjected to physical torture, forced medication and provocations by Russian authorities. There is no doubt that his treatment by Russian authorities is the reason Robert is in this precarious state today."
Gilman was one of at least 10 U.S. citizens known to be imprisoned in Russia.