You probably don't know Robert Gilman's name, but you should |
Jan. 17 marks the fourth year that U.S. citizen Robert Gilman has spent in Russian custody. President Donald Trump has made the return of Americans from detention overseas a national priority, and the progress he has made is nothing short of miraculous. But Robert's life hangs in the balance, and concerted efforts are needed to bring him home.
Explaining this story always starts with two questions: Why was he there? What did he do?
Robert, who turns 32 in March, grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and then went to Europe to teach English. He was on his way to a new job in Moldova when he became ill during a transfer in Moscow. When he awoke, his bags had been rifled and his passport damaged. He stayed in Russia for a short time