A Russian court has sentenced US Staff Sgt. Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony on charges of theft and threatening murder, as reported by state media agency RIA Novosti.
Black, who was arrested in May in Vladivostok, faced accusations of stealing 10,000 rubles (approximately $112) and assaulting a woman he had traveled to visit. The woman, believed to be his girlfriend, had met Black in South Korea prior to his visit to Russia in April.
Despite Black's partial admission to the theft, he denied the charges of threatening to kill the woman. He stated in court that he had taken the money but later transferred $125 to her, using the stolen funds for food and hotel expenses.
The woman's testimony indicated she had not reconciled with Black, citing uncompensated damages. Black's lawyer announced plans to appeal the court's decision.
This sentencing occurs amid escalating tensions between the US and Russia, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The case also highlights the plight of other Americans detained in Russia, including Paul Whelan, a former Marine, and Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter. Gershkovich, accused of espionage, faces a trial and potentially up to 20 years in prison.
The US government, which denies the charges against Gershkovich, has warned its citizens against traveling to Russia, citing potential geopolitical risks.
