A Russian-born American was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison in Moscow on Thursday on drug trafficking-related charges, court officials said.
Born in Russia in 1991, Robert Woodland was adopted by American parents at the age of 2. Woodland claims to have returned to Russia at the age of 26 to meet his biological mother.
Russian media outlet Interfax, citing court sources, reported that Woodland also holds Russian citizenship.
Woodland has been detained since January on suspicion of attempted drug trafficking, and Russian state-controlled media have alleged links to an organised group.
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Robert Woodland, right, a Russian-born U.S. citizen, is escorted into court for a hearing, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlyanichenko)
At the time of Woodland’s arrest, the US State Department said “there is no priority higher than the safety and security of American citizens overseas”. It has not made any further comment since.
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Woodland was convicted of drug-related charges and sentenced Thursday to 12 years and six months in prison. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlyanichenko)
Woodland’s attorney, Stanislav Krzyzewiczky, said Thursday that he will appeal the sentence because his guilt has not been proven. Krzyzewiczky also cited Robert’s unspecified mental health issues as reasons for the appeal.
Russian-born U.S. citizen Robert Woodland, right, stands in a glass cage and talks with his lawyer, Stanislav Kshevitsky, before a court hearing, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlyanichenko)
At least 12 Americans are currently being held in Russian prisons, Reuters reported.
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If he does not appeal, Robert Woodland faces 12-and-a-half years in a maximum security prison.
