Nikum William Russell : Russian Court: American Man Jailed for Hooliganism

Moscow — A Moscow court has handed down a 10-day detention sentence to a U.S. citizen for petty hooliganism after he was found drunk and passed out in a children’s library. This incident comes on the heels of another case involving a U.S. soldier detained in Vladivostok on suspicion of theft.

According to Russia’s REN TV, the man in Moscow entered a children’s library through a window and fell asleep while intoxicated. Video footage broadcast by the network showed a partially clothed individual lying in the building’s courtyard. The man, identified as Nikum William Russell, had been visiting friends in Moscow on a tourist visa and ended up at the library after a night out at a bar.

The Khoroshevsky District Court of Moscow released a statement on its Telegram channel, stating that Russell was found naked in the library’s courtyard, displaying disrespect for society, citizens, and public order. He was charged with petty hooliganism and sentenced to 10 days of administrative arrest.

U.S. Soldier Detained in Vladivostok for Alleged Theft

Meanwhile, in Vladivostok, a U.S. soldier named Gordon Black is being held in custody on criminal charges of theft. Black, a sergeant stationed in South Korea who was in the process of relocating to Fort Cavazos in the U.S., is accused of stealing from a woman in Russia.

Black’s mother, Melody Jones, revealed that he was in Russia visiting his girlfriend and pleaded for his well-being. The U.S. Army confirmed the detention of Black, emphasizing that he was not on official military travel during his time in Russia.

Authorities in Vladivostok reported that the soldier had a dispute with his Russian girlfriend, resulting in the alleged theft. The police initiated a criminal case against Black for causing significant harm to the victim, with a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

Russia Denies Political Motives in Detentions

A representative of the Russian foreign ministry in Vladivostok clarified that the cases of Russell and Black were not politically motivated. The official stated that these incidents were purely domestic crimes and not linked to espionage or political agendas.

Republican Congressman Michael McCaul expressed concern over the detention of a U.S. Army officer in Russia, cautioning Americans about the risks of traveling to the country. He highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s history of holding American citizens as hostages.

Recent years have seen multiple instances of U.S. citizens being arrested in Russia, with critics accusing Moscow of using them as bargaining tools. Notable cases include Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, both imprisoned on controversial charges.

The State Department’s efforts to secure the release of detained Americans have faced obstacles, with Russia rejecting proposals for their freedom. The ongoing tensions underscore the challenges faced by U.S. citizens in Russia and the complexities of diplomatic relations between the two countries.