On August 1st of this year, sixteen cots were vacated in various locations throughout Russia’s archipelago of penal colonies, when as many prisoners were released in an historic multi-nation prisoner swap.

But nature and Vladimir Putin abhor a vacuum, so it stands to reason that those vacancies had to be filled. And yesterday, two of them were.

American Stephen Hubbard, 72 years of age, was charged with having fought as a mercenary against Russia in Ukraine, allegedly after signing a contract for around $1,000 a month. Detained since April of 2022, Hubbard pled guilty last month, telling the Moscow City Court: “Yes, I agree with the charges.” He was brought to trial on September 27th. A guilty verdict or plea could bring a sentence of seven to fifteen years in prison. [Lauren Kent and Darya Tarasova, CNN, October 7, 2024.]

The “trial,” held behind closed doors, concluded on October 7th with Hubbard’s sentencing: six years and ten months in prison. The “minimal” sentence was said to be in deference to his age.

Hubbard’s sister, Trisha Hubbard Fox, had previously said that “he never had a gun, owned a gun, done any of that . . . He’s more of a pacifist.” She also had commented that her brother held pro-Russian views. And in a Facebook post in September, she stated:

“RUSSIA’s prosecutor is LYING!!! Steve was never a mercenary. He was an English teacher teaching English in foreign countries!” [Id.]

And now the English teacher / alleged mercenary will occupy a cot in a cell in a Russian prison, quite possibly for the remainder of his life.

*. *. *

Earlier on the same day, in a court in the city of Voronezh, another American citizen, Robert Gilman, had seven years and one month — to be served in a maximum-security penal colony — added to his 2022 sentence of more than four years for an alleged attack on a police officer.

The current charge is again assault — this time on a prison official and a state investigator. Only Gilman and the Russian officers know the truth behind the allegations. But the sad fact remains that Gilman now faces another nine years in the hell of Russia’s prison system.

So . . . two more cots occupied. Surely, there can’t be many more Americans left in Moscow to arrest. And if they’re smart, they’ll head for the nearest exit.

I mean now, people. Right now!

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/8/24