News: Russia-born U.S. citizen sentenced to 12 1/2 years in Moscow prison for drug-related charges
America-born U.S. citizen Robert Woodland has been sentenced to 12 1/2 years in a Russian prison for drug-related charges by a Moscow court. The verdict, which court officials and Woodland’s lawyers confirm, has sparked a wave of controversy and concern.
Woodland, who was found guilty of attempted trafficking of illegal drugs as part of an organized group, plans to appeal the ruling as his lawyers argue that his guilt has not been proven. Additionally, his legal team disclosed that Woodland has been struggling with mental health issues, which were reportedly not taken into consideration during the sentencing.
The case has further gained attention as Russian media reports suggest that Woodland is the same individual who was interviewed in 2020, claiming to be born in Russia and later adopted by American parents. His decision to travel to Russia to reunite with his birth mother and subsequent relocation has raised questions about his dual citizenship status.
In a broader context, the arrest and sentencing of Americans in Russia have become more frequent amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the situation and assured close monitoring of Woodland’s case, emphasizing privacy concerns and refraining from further comment.