4 years after his arrest in Russia, American David Barnes moved to remote penal colony
ABC News • • nation
Key Points:
- David Barnes, an American father, has been imprisoned in Russia for over four years, serving the longest sentence of any American currently held there, after traveling to Russia to seek custody of his children amid a bitter divorce and custody dispute.
- Barnes was accused and convicted in Moscow of abusing his sons in Texas, allegations that Texas law enforcement previously found unsubstantiated and did not pursue, while his ex-wife maintains the accusations and has been charged in Texas with interference with child custody.
- Barnes was recently transferred to a penal colony far from Moscow, where conditions differ but concerns remain about his health, including significant tooth loss during detention.
- U.S. lawmakers have urged the State Department to use all available means to secure Barnes' release, though the State
