White House calls on Moscow: Release the detainee! Allow American citizen to return home for medical treatment
White House and State Department urge Russia to release American citizen Gilman
The White House and the U.S. State Department have formally requested Russia to release Robert Gilman, an American citizen sentenced for assaulting prison staff. The initial verdict was handed down in October 2024, and after an appeal, his sentence was increased to ten years and one month. Washington has now outlined its position on the matter.
According to Reuters, the U.S. executive branch—including the White House and the State Department—has been in contact with Russian authorities regarding Gilman’s release. Gilman, aged 32, was convicted for assaulting personnel from Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service.
Citing Eric Lebson, chief strategist of the “Global Connect” organization representing Gilman’s family, Reuters reported that the U.S. is urging Moscow to allow Gilman to return to the United States for urgent medical treatment.
A senior U.S. administration official stated that the White House “is closely monitoring Mr. Gilman’s case and has proactively communicated multiple times with Russian officials to secure his return home.”
Gilman was initially sentenced in October 2024—seven years and one month—for using violence against law enforcement officers. After his defense attorney filed an appeal, the Voronezh Regional Court increased his sentence by one year in April 2025. Subsequently, due to another incident involving assault on prison staff, his sentence was ultimately extended to ten years and one month.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872829230615626/
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