U.S. Soldier’s Appeal Against Russian Verdict Denied

Gordon Black, a U.S. staff sergeant, lost his appeal against a four-year sentence in a Russian penal colony for stealing from his girlfriend and making threats. The initial verdict was deemed illegal and unfair by his defense, but the court upheld it. Black is among several Americans detained in Russia.

Gordon Black, a U.S. staff sergeant sentenced to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony, lost his court appeal on Monday, according to RIA agency. Black was convicted of stealing $113 from his girlfriend and threatening her.

Detained on May 2 in Vladivostok, Black admitted partial guilt for the theft but denied the threats. His defense argued that the verdict was illegal. However, Judge Irina Balashova upheld the original ruling.

Black is one of several Americans held in Russia on various charges. Recently, dual Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina was sentenced to 12 years for treason.