Kieran Ramsey, chief investigative officer for Global Reach, the advocacy group representing the former Marine, told Reuters that Gilman was released because the Russian government realised “they’re not losing any geopolitical power position by releasing him. This is a humanitarian release”.
Gilman served in the US Marines for a year until August 2020.
He was arrested for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk aboard a train to Moscow in January 2022 and was initially given a sentence of three and a half years.
He was later found guilty of assaulting prison guards, after he allegedly attacked a prison inspector during a cell check. His sentence was increased to 10 years.
In Russian confinement, Gilman was subjected to repeated harassment, including forced exercise training sessions that lasted up to 16 hours and the administration of psychotropic drugs, Eric Lebson of Global Reach told CBS, the BBC’s US media partner.
The abuse was so severe that at one point Gilman had required a feeding tube in his nose, according to Lebson.
He said five other Americans remain in Russia, each contending with medical issues. Their names are Aleksandr Antonov, David Barnes, Olga Jezler, Andre Khachatoorian and Chuck Zimmerman.
“While we appreciate this positive step, we are still seeking the immediate return of all other unjustly detained Americans,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X.
“The President will not stop until all unjustly detained Americans are home,” he continued.
