Boston (March 9, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today on Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. On March 7, 2025, Senator Markey led his colleagues, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the State Department to do everything in its power to obtain the release of Massachusetts resident Robert Gilman, a U.S. citizen and former U.S. Marine.

“On this Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, my thoughts are with all those currently held hostage or wrongfully detained around the world.  

“The wrongful detainment and hostage taking of civilians is never justifiable. It is a morally bankrupt tactic for authoritarian governments and terrorist organizations to sidestep the rule of law, often for political gain and always at the devastating expense of civilian lives. 

“Hostage taking and wrongful detainment are crimes with countless victims, as the families and loved ones of those held hostage and wrongfully detained must endure devastating fear and excruciating uncertainty.

“The United States must do everything it can to support its wrongfully detained citizens and hostages abroad and advocate tirelessly for their release. That is why I am calling on Secretary of State Rubio to clarify the Administration’s actions regarding my constituent, Mr. Robert Gilman, who has been detained in horrific conditions in Russia for more than three years.

“Hostage taking and wrongful detainment are cowardly practices with no winners. Today and every day, the United States must condemn governments and organizations that perpetrate these crimes and work relentlessly on behalf of U.S. citizens and families that have fallen victim.

“I am praying for Robert Gilman and his family today.”

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