U.S. Military Personnel Gordon Black's Court Trial Commences in Russia
American soldier Black, allegedly, didn't acknowledge accusations of attempting to murder a Russian woman, but partially owned up to charges related to theft, as stated by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
In May, Black was apprehended in Vladivostok due to theft charges. It's claimed that he visited the woman, who is suspected to be his girlfriend, and stole 10,000 rubles (approx. $112) from her during his visit to Russia in April following their encounter in Korea. Reports from state news agency TASS also suggest that he physically harmed her during an argument.
The US military authorities haven't authorized Black to journey to Russia, and he failed to secure official clearance when he left his South Korean military base earlier this year, Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith explained.
The trial is unfolding amidst escalating conflicts between Washington and Moscow, as Russia’s violence in Ukraine continues. A couple of Americans are detained in Russia, including Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, who have been marked as wrongfully detained by the US State Department.
In accounts given to the Pervomaisky District Court on Monday, Black admitted to taking the 10,000 rubles (roughly $112) from the woman's purse, but moved $125 to her account the following day. He stated that he used the money on food and hotel stays for three nights. RIA reported that Black was meant to receive a refund of 10,000 rubles from the landlord at the end of the lease for the apartment that he paid for.
The female accuser also testified in court on Monday, expressing that she wasn't keen on reconciling with the suspect as the damage hadn't been compensated yet.
The subsequent court hearing is scheduled for June 19, as announced by RIA.
CNN's Natasha Bertrand and Caitlin Danaher provided the reporting.
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Despite the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia due to Russia's violence in Ukraine, Gordon Black's court trial for his actions in Russia continues. Moreover, two other Americans, Evan Gershkovich from the Wall Street Journal and former Marine Paul Whelan, are also currently detained in Russia, as marked by the US State Department for alleged wrongful detention.
