American Ex-Marine Faces Extended Sentence in Russia Amid New Charges

American ex-Marine Robert Gilman faces a potential extension of his prison sentence in Russia after being charged with assaulting a prison official and a state investigator. Already incarcerated for attacking a police officer, he claims his actions were in self-defense. The court ruling is imminent.

In a dramatic escalation of legal troubles, American former Marine Robert Gilman may see his time in Russian custody extended after prosecutors called for a nine-year and one-month sentence due to new assault charges. Already serving time for an altercation with a police officer, Gilman stands accused of attacking a prison official and state investigator.

Gilman's contentious legal journey began in October 2022 when he received a sentence of four-and-a-half years, later reduced to three-and-a-half, for an alcohol-fueled attack in a Russian penal colony. The latest proceedings, taking place in Voronezh, allege that Gilman resorted to violence as a reaction to provocation, including pain caused to him and insults directed at his family.

This case forms part of a broader context involving at least ten American nationals currently imprisoned in Russia, emerging in the aftermath of a notable prisoner swap on August 1. A separate trial concerning Stephen Hubbard, another American accused of acting as a Ukrainian mercenary, is poised to conclude with a verdict in his case expected this coming Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)