Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2022, is reportedly nearing death, according to advocacy groups representing his family. Gilman has been unable to eat for more than six weeks and has fallen into a catatonic-like state.
Advocacy groups and Gilman's sister suggest he may have been tortured and injected with mind-altering drugs before entering this stupor in June. Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, an advocacy group for Gilman's family, stated that Gilman has been fed through a tube for 46 days. The State Department has designated Iran a "state sponsor of wrongful detention," highlighting human rights abuses and the urgent need for action, though this statement is in reference to Americans held in Iran and not directly Gilman's case.
Gilman was transferred in late June from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian emergency hospital in Voronezh, Russia, after exhibiting what was described as a "dissociative stupor." Lebson noted that Russian authorities have been unresponsive and have not allowed Gilman's mother to see him, even after a judicial order permitted her to visit.
"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 said. "His mother and lawyer have been prohibited from seeing him since he was moved to the civilian hospital 46 days ago."
The White House and the State Department have urged Moscow to release Gilman for urgent medical treatment in the United States. "The State Department and the National Security Council have been very actively engaged in communication about the need for Robert to be released on an emergency basis," Lebson clarified.
Another advocacy group tracking the case, the Foley Foundation, also expressed concern for Gilman's safety. "It doesn’t seem like he’s getting the care he needs, and we are very concerned for his life and safety," said Elizabeth Richards, director of hostage advocacy and research at the foundation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised Gilman's case with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Manila on July 23, according to Reuters.
Gilman is among at least 10 Americans known to be imprisoned in Russia. The State Department issued a statement saying, "We are deeply concerned about Robert Gilman's health and continued detention."
His sister, Lexie Hudson, stated, "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, originally from Dracut, Massachusetts, was arrested in January 2022. He was reportedly causing a disturbance on a train while traveling to replace a damaged passport. He was later convicted of assaulting a police officer and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. Gilman has claimed his drink may have been spiked.
His sentence was extended in December, bringing his total potential prison term to 10 years, following convictions for altercations with prison staff and an investigator. His father had previously asked the State Department to designate his son as wrongfully detained, which would make his release a higher priority for the U.S. government.