Paul Whelan’s parents recorded a Thanksgiving message from their son, who remains inside a Russian prison.

“We must stand up and make clear that American citizens will not be used as political pawns for other countries,” Stevens said. “Period, end of story.”

"The fact remains that Paul is being held on false charges," Stevens said.

Paul Whelan is still in a Russian prison, but he was able to make a call to a CNN reporter, in which he begged for help to secure his freedom.

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 hasn’t been a proper due process of law. Canada launched the declaration with an aim ‘to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention,’ among others. David WhelanREAD: Michigan family expects Paul Whelan to remain behind bars in Russia for at least another year

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

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

DETROIT A Michigan man arrested in Russia on suspicion of being a spy is expected to be found guilty and sent to a forced labor camp. Paul Whelan, 50, is expected to be found guilty and sentenced Monday, but his family believes thats a positive development. Hes expected to be found guilty and sent to a forced labor camp. Hes looking at 18 harsh years in a forced labor camp if prosecutors get their way. David Whelan told Local 4 from Toronto via Zoom that its better to get this part of the case out of the way.