WASHINGTON – The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation welcomes the release of American Robert Gilman, who was freed today from Russia. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Gilman had been wrongfully detained for 1,667 days, more than four-and-a-half years.
Gilman’s family and advocates, including Global Reach, raised alarm in recent months over reports that his health had deteriorated significantly while in detention, leading to renewed calls for his humanitarian release. The Foley Foundation is relieved to see reports indicating that he is now receiving urgent medical care, including evaluation and treatment from the United States government, as he reunites with his loved ones.
While celebrating Robert Gilman’s return, the Foley Foundation remains deeply concerned about Americans who continue to be held hostage or wrongfully detained in Russia and around the world. The Foundation urges Russia to release at least six Americans it is wrongfully detaining. Those individuals include Stephen Hubbard, Andre Khachatoorian, David Barnes, Olga Jezler, Chuck Zimmerman, and Aleksandr Antonov. The Foundation calls for the immediate release of all Americans unjustly detained abroad and will continue working with families, advocates, and government partners until every one of these Americans returns home.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The Foundation was established less than three weeks after his death. Inspired by the moral courage of James Foley, the Foundation advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promotes journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the Foundation’s work may be made here.