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Freed US Teacher Recounts 4 Years in Russian Prison
Newser • • nation
Key Points:
- Stephen James Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired US teacher, was held in a Russian prison for over four years on fabricated charges of being a Ukrainian mercenary and was recently released following intervention by President Trump.
- Hubbard survived his imprisonment by reading his mother's Bible and enduring harsh conditions, including beatings, underfeeding, and forced singing of the Russian anthem, though he received some books to read.
- He was unaware of his actual release until he saw an American flag on the plane, and he has chosen not to criticize Russia publicly to avoid jeopardizing other Americans still detained there.
- Designated as "wrongfully detained" by the US State Department, Hubbard credits President Trump for securing his freedom and hopes his case will aid others in similar situations.
- Despite the ordeal, Hubbard described his time in prison as spiritually beneficial due to the solitude and reflection it provided, though he does not wish to repeat the experience.
