Kieran Ramsey of Global Reach shared the harsh conditions experienced by U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman during his detention in Russia. He urged the release of five other Americans still in Russian custody. Ramsey, assisting U.S. authorities, credited President Donald Trump for Gilman’s release after 1,666 days in a Russian prison.
Gilman was released to U.S. authorities after being arrested in Voronezh, Russia, in 2022. Ramsey detailed the circumstances of his arrest, stated that Gilman was en route to Moldova but made an unplanned stop in Moscow due to illness. During this stop, Russian police detained him, accusing him of drunkenness and assault.
While in Russian custody, Gilman faced severe mistreatment, including beatings and psychological torture. Ramsey described Gilman’s ordeal, noting that he was provoked and misled by threats against his family. After Gilman’s release, he began receiving medical care in the U.S. thanks to his status as a wrongful detainee, as designated by the State Department.
Global Reach still represents five Americans in Russian detention. Ramsey argues that all meet criteria for wrongful detention under the Robert Levinson Hostage-Taking and Accountability Act. He indicated that political considerations might delay the classification of these detainees, complicating efforts to secure their release.
Among Ramsey’s clients is Alexander Antonov, a businessman detained while transiting Russia. Russian authorities identified him as an American, leading to his arrest. Antonov suffered an inmate assault and ongoing harassment.
David Barnes, another detainee, traveled to Russia to recover his children but was accused of criminality by his ex-wife and detained. Barnes faces health issues while detained for over four years.
Olga Jezler was detained for carrying CBD oil, deemed legal in Russia. She faces health risks while staying in a Russian prison.
Andre Khachatoorian, transiting through Russia with a rifle, faced detention despite having proper paperwork. His imprisonment exacerbated his autoimmune disease.
Chuck Zimmerman, from Virginia, was detained in international waters by the Russian Navy. Accused of arms trafficking due to a firearm found on his vessel, Zimmerman suffers severe medical issues in prison.
Ramsey stressed the importance of designating these detainees as wrongfully detained to prompt action and maintain public awareness.