Retired Michigan teacher describes disbelief before release from Russian jail
The Guardian reported that Stephen Hubbard, a 74‑year‑old retired teacher from Michigan, has spoken publicly for the first time since his recent release…
The Guardian reported that Stephen Hubbard, a 74‑year‑old retired teacher from Michigan, has spoken publicly for the first time since his recent release from a Russian prison. Hubbard said he only began to believe he would be freed when he was given new clothes. He recalled that, while being taken from Moscow to St Petersburg, he thought he was “going somewhere”.
He told the outlet that he had heard many assurances that he would be released, but he never trusted those promises, adopting a “seeing is believing” and “actions speak louder than words” approach. Hubbard said he had heard the prospect of freedom repeated many times, yet he remained skeptical until the tangible change in his circumstances convinced him.
His remarks highlight the uncertainty faced by foreign detainees awaiting release in Russia.
Why it matters
His comments reveal how promises of freedom can be doubted by those detained, underscoring the challenges of securing release in such cases.
Key details
- Location
- Russia · Europe
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Russian, Retired Michigan, Stephen Hubbard, Moscow
- Section
- World
- Figure cited
- Stephen Hubbard, 74, remarked on Friday that he had heard many times previously that he would be released – but never really trusted what he was told, adopting a philosophy of “seeing is believing” and “actions speak louder than words”. (The Guardian)
Sources
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