Stephen James Hubbard, a 73-year-old retired American teacher, was taken by Russian soldiers from his eastern Ukraine home after the 2022 invasion. After a concerning silence that left his family in distress, he has finally been located in a penal colony in Mordovia, Russia. Despite being labeled a "wrongfully detained" individual by the U.S. State Department, Hubbard's future remains uncertain as he faces a nearly seven-year sentence for accusations of mercenary work in Ukraine.
American Teacher Found in Russian Prison After Months of Uncertainty
American Teacher Found in Russian Prison After Months of Uncertainty
Stephen James Hubbard, once untraceable, is located in a Russian penal colony months after his conviction for alleged mercenary activity.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Hubbard is now able to communicate with his family after months of silence. His case has raised alarms due to the lack of transparency in the Russian legal process; his case documents were reportedly removed from public record, complicating efforts to understand his situation. Hubbard's designation as wrongfully detained suggests he could be a key figure in any potential prisoner exchanges between the United States and Russia.
Hubbard's family is urgently advocating for his release, emphasizing that the accusations against him seem fabricated. They are hopeful that his recognition by U.S. authorities could lead to a breakthrough in resolving his plight while he serves his sentence in a facility notorious for its harsh conditions.
Hubbard's family is urgently advocating for his release, emphasizing that the accusations against him seem fabricated. They are hopeful that his recognition by U.S. authorities could lead to a breakthrough in resolving his plight while he serves his sentence in a facility notorious for its harsh conditions.
