Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman is reportedly in critical condition after weeks in a catatonic state in a Russian prison, with advocacy groups raising alarms about his treatment and access to medical care.
Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, has been in a Russian prison since 2022 and is now feared to be near death, according to advocacy groups representing his family. They report that Gilman has been fed through a tube for the past 46 days after falling into a catatonic-like state.
Concerns about Gilman’s well-being have escalated, with his family and various hostage advocacy organizations suggesting that he may have been subjected to torture and administered mind-altering drugs prior to his current condition. Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, an advocacy group for Gilman’s family, stated that he has been unable to eat independently for over six weeks.
In late June, Gilman was transferred from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian emergency hospital in Voronezh after being assessed as experiencing a “dissociative stupor.” Lebson emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “For the past 46 days, he has been fed through a tube.” He also expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Russian authorities, stating, “The Russians have not been responsive.” Furthermore, Gilman’s mother has been barred from visiting him, raising concerns about his safety and health.
Despite a judicial order permitting her to see her son, Gilman’s mother has been denied access since his transfer to the civilian hospital. “She flew to Russia, and they are not allowing her to come and do what is needed to get him out of a stupor,” Lebson explained. He added that both Gilman’s mother and lawyer have been prohibited from visiting him since late June.
The White House and the State Department have reportedly urged Moscow to release Gilman so he can receive urgent medical treatment in the United States. Lebson clarified that both agencies have been actively engaged in discussions about the necessity of Gilman’s emergency release.
Elizabeth Richards, director of hostage advocacy and research at the Foley Foundation, which has been monitoring Gilman’s case, expressed her concerns about his care. “It doesn’t seem like he’s getting the care he needs, and we are very concerned for his life and safety,” she told Reuters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised Gilman’s situation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Manila on July 23, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure his release. Gilman is among at least ten Americans currently imprisoned in Russia.
The State Department has issued a statement expressing deep concern for Gilman’s health and continued detention. “We are deeply concerned about Robert Gilman’s health and continued detention,” the statement read.
Gilman’s sister, Lexie Hudson, shared her fears regarding her brother’s situation, stating, “I am more afraid for my brother than I have been since this horrible nightmare started. I’m worried that I may never see him again if the Russians don’t release him. I’m worried that he could die.”
Gilman, a resident of Dracut, Massachusetts, was first arrested in January 2022 after fellow train passengers reported that he was intoxicated and causing a disturbance while traveling from Sochi to Moscow to replace a damaged passport. He was later convicted of assaulting a police officer and sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Gilman claimed during his trial that he believed his drink had been spiked.
His legal troubles continued while in custody, leading to additional convictions for altercations with prison staff and an investigator. In December, Russian state media reported that a regional court extended Gilman’s sentence, increasing his total prison term to ten years.
Vladimir Gilman, Robert’s father, previously stated that the family requested the State Department to designate his son as wrongfully detained in March 2023, a designation that would prioritize efforts for his release. A senior administration official confirmed that the Biden administration is closely monitoring Gilman’s case and has made repeated efforts to engage with Russian officials regarding his return to the United States.
As the situation unfolds, the family and advocacy groups continue to call for urgent action to ensure Gilman’s safety and well-being.
According to Reuters, the plight of Robert Gilman remains a pressing concern amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations.