Russia Jails Missing North Carolina Navy Veteran 5 Years Over Rifle on Yacht to Sochi
Jan 19
Developing
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Russia has sentenced a North Carolina Navy veteran, identified as Zimmerman, to five years in prison after accusing him of transporting a rifle aboard his yacht to Sochi. Zimmerman's family says Russian naval forces intercepted the vessel in international waters, he voluntarily disclosed the firearm and has been denied U.S. consular access amid claims the case is a setup for a prisoner swap, while Russian courts say he chose to sail to Sochi after meeting a woman online in Kazan and that ignorance of gun laws is no defense.
U.S. Citizens Detained Abroad
U.S.–Russia Relations and Security
Americans Detained in Russia