American Teacher Found in Russian Prison After Months of Uncertainty

The family of Stephen James Hubbard, the sole American designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. in Russia, finally received confirmation of his whereabouts after months of uncertainty. He is presently imprisoned in Mordovia, facing allegations of combat involvement in Ukraine.

After a long and distressing search, the family of Stephen James Hubbard, a retired American teacher, has been informed of his location within the Russian prison system. Hubbard, taken from his home in eastern Ukraine shortly after the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022, was convicted in a Russian court and sentenced last October to nearly seven years in a penal colony for allegedly serving as a mercenary in the conflict.

His family had been without any information regarding his condition or location since his conviction, deepening their concerns over his well-being. Recently, Hubbard managed to connect with one of his sons through phone calls, giving his family a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

At the age of 73, he remains the only American currently designated by the U.S. State Department as "wrongfully detained." This designation signifies that the U.S. authorities believe his charges to be without merit and potentially fabricated, highlighting his case as a priority in ongoing discussions of possible prisoner exchanges with Russia.

Hubbard has been reported to be incarcerated in the IK-12 penal colony, a notorious facility located in Mordovia—a region often associated with harsh prison conditions. Notably, in a departure from standard legal practices, all details regarding his case, including vital information like the identity of his attorney, have been obscured by Russian legal authorities.

As diplomatic negotiations unfold, the possible resolution of Hubbard's situation remains uncertain, but advocacy for his release continues, shedding light on the complex interplay of international law and human rights during times of conflict.