American soldier faces charges in Russia: Death threat and theft

An American soldier is accused of threatening a friend with death. The charges were brought by the prosecutor's office in Vladivostok, Russia. The case was reported by Reuters, citing independent Russian media. The American is also accused of theft.

The Mediazona portal reported that Sergeant Gordon Black arrived in Russia to visit a woman with whom he had an affair during his service in South Korea. He used his leave without informing his superiors of his plans. After completing his service in South Korea, he was supposed to return to Texas, but instead, he decided to follow his ex-girlfriend to Vladivostok. There, he was arrested on charges of robbing his partner.

Mediazona, citing information from the local prosecutor's office, reported that during a quarrel with his girlfriend, the soldier grabbed her by the neck, which she perceived as a "real threat to her life." Earlier, the sergeant admitted to stealing a small sum exceeding $100.

The Radio Free Europe portal reported that the prosecutor's office has already sent Black's indictment to court. If found guilty of both charges, he faces a sentence of up to seven years in prison.

Currently, more Americans are held in Russian prisons and jails. Among them are journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, former Marine Paul Whelan, teacher Marc Fogel, and musician Travis Leake, who are accused of drug trafficking. Thirty-two-year-old Ksenia Khavana, who has dual citizenship in the USA and Russia, is also in custody. She was arrested for donating money to a foundation helping Ukraine.

The United States has repeatedly warned its citizens against travelling to Russia. Potential risks include the possibility of persecution and the detention of random citizens by Russian security institutions.