New hope for Paul Whelan to return home as government officials step in
Ambassador Bill Richardson, who has a reputation for helping bring Americans home from difficult abroad situations, is getting involved in helping free Whelan and hopefully escape some of the turmoil he may have encountered while being held hostage.
โWelcome newsโ: Paul Whelanโs family responds to declaration against arbitrary detention
Paul Whelan, a former US Marine accused of spying in Russia, appears in the dock at a court in Moscow (AP)Canada launched a Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations on Monday. The declaration aims to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention. Arbitrary detention is when someone is arrested or detained but there is no likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime -- or there hasnโt been a proper due process of law. Canada launched the declaration with an aim โto raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention,โ among others. David WhelanREAD: Michigan family expects Paul Whelan to remain behind bars in Russia for at least another year
Michigan family hopeful Biden can help free Paul Whelan from Russian prison
DETROIT โ The family of a Michigan man convicted of espionage in Russia met with officials with President Joe Bidenโs administration. The family said theyโre optimistic about Paul Whelanโs release. Whelan is looking at spending the next 14 years in a Russian prison, but his family is holding out hope that the new administration can get him home. Paul Whelan was arrested in Russia when he went to attend a wedding in December 2018. โWhile Paul has been in prison, there really wasnโt any sort of dialogue, as far as we can tell, between the Russian Federation and the U.S.,โ David Whelan said.
US Embassy in Moscow: No info on Paul Whelans whereabouts
MOSCOW The US Embassy in Moscow said Tuesday it had no information on the whereabouts of an American convicted in June of espionage, despite reports that he is being transferred to a prison colony in central Russia. The Interfax news agency cited David Whelan as saying he received the information from the British Embassy. Paul Whelan holds US, British, Irish and Canadian citizenship. Whelans lawyer has said his client was handed a flash drive that had classified information on it that he didnt know about. Read more: Michigan man Paul Whelan sentenced to 16 years in prison on spying charges in Russia
Russian judge sentences Novi man accused of being spy to 16 years in forced labor camp
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. A Russian judge sentenced a Novi man accused of being a spy to 16 years in a forced labor camp. The sentencing was expected, but thats little comfort to the family of Paul Whelan as they work to navigate the next steps toward getting him back home. The Whelan family said the one silver lining to Mondays sentencing is that the diplomats can now move in and negotiate their loved ones release. His brother, David Whelan, said this was a necessary formality. It is what it is, David Whelan said.
Novi man Paul Whelan sentenced to 16 years in prison on spying charges in Russia
A Michigan man arrested in Russia on suspicion of being a spy has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Paul Whelan, 50, was found guilty and sentenced Monday. No discussions until a conviction.Meanwhile, Paul Whelan is back in his prison cell after emergency hernia surgery two weeks ago. The Whelan family is left hoping the diplomats, who have only been able to visit him sporadically to date, will now be able to do their work quickly. Our family is hoping as soon as possible the governments will get together and figure