Robert Gilman, American detainee in Russia, reportedly 'near death

Concerns are mounting over the condition of Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine detained in Russia since 2022. Advocacy organization Global Reach reports that Gilman is "near death" after falling into a dissociative stupor more than six weeks ago.

Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, alleges that Gilman has been subjected to physical and psychological torture, including being forced to take psychotropic drugs. Reports indicate Gilman is currently being fed through a tube and remains handcuffed to a hospital bed despite being physically non-cognizant.

The U.S. Department of State expressed that it is "deeply concerned" about Gilman's health and has repeatedly requested his release from the Russian government on humanitarian grounds. Although Gilman's mother traveled to Russia with a court order to visit him, she has been denied access since his transfer to a civilian psychiatric ward. Advocates have compared the situation to that of Otto Warmbier, an American who died after being detained in North Korea.