Former U.S. Marine released from detention in Russia after four years
· 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, CNN reported. Advocates for Gilman and members of his family feared he was "near death" after alleged physical and psychological torture.
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 is expected to arrive later Tuesday at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. He will likely go then to a U.S. military hospital in Texas to be treated and assessed, said Global Reach, an organization advocating on the behalf of Gilman's family.
Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., whose office has worked with Gilman's family and campaigned for his release, said 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 initially arrested Gilman for allegedly beating a police officer in January 2022, NBC News reported. 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.
Markey said the news of Gilman's release was deeply welcomed but 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.