Robert Gilman, 32, a former U.S. Marine and teacher from Massachusetts, was released on 11/8 following discussions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We appreciate this decision by the Russians and their not asking for anyone in exchange," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that Gilman's release was "largely on humanitarian grounds."
Gilman was transported to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, then transferred to a military hospital in Texas for physical and psychological evaluation and treatment.
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Robert Gilman (far left) on his flight back to the U.S. on 11/8. *TruthSocial/realDonaldTrump*.
Russian authorities arrested Gilman in 2022 on charges of assaulting a police officer after he was removed from a train for disorderly conduct. He received a 3,5-year prison sentence. Later, Gilman faced additional convictions for assaulting a prison inspector during a cell inspection, striking an investigator, and assaulting a guard.
In 10/2024, he was sentenced to 8 years and one month in prison. Two months later, his sentence was extended to 10 years after further convictions for assaulting detention facility staff.
Russian media reported that the U.S. veteran pleaded guilty and apologized to the staff he assaulted. Kommersant quoted Gilman explaining that he intentionally committed the violations "because he wanted to remain in his current prison" to avoid transfer to another facility.
Gilman's father denied all accusations against his son, while the U.S. State Department stated that the veteran was unjustly detained.
In recent days, Gilman's health was reported to have severely declined due to harsh detention conditions. Lawyer Irina Brazhnikova stated that her client had been admitted to the psychiatric ward of a Russian hospital since early July, and his condition was worsening.
Eric Lebson, strategy director for the non-governmental organization Global Reach, stated that Gilman experienced a "dissociative stupor" for 47 days. After his transfer to the hospital, he required a feeding tube and was handcuffed to his bed. Hospital records described Gilman as being in critical condition, prompting the U.S. government to press Russia for his release.
Thanh Danh (According to AP)
