Paul Whelan, a former Marine imprisoned in Russia, has made a heartfelt plea to President Joe Biden for assistance in securing his release. Whelan, who has been detained since 2018, expressed his frustration at feeling abandoned and called on Biden to fulfill his promise to bring him home.
A Desperate Plea from Behind Bars
Paul Whelan, a 53-year-old former Marine, reached out to a reporter at CBS affiliate WTOP-TV in Washington, DC, seeking help from President Joe Biden. Whelan had seen the release of two other Americans from Russian detention in 2022 and felt abandoned by the U.S. government.
Biden’s Role in the Plea
Whelan directly addressed President Biden, stating that he believes Biden made the decision to leave him behind twice, and he appealed to the president to bring him home.
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The Espionage Conviction
Whelan was detained by Russian authorities in December 2018 and later convicted of espionage in 2020. He received a 16-year sentence of hard labor, which he and the U.S. government have vehemently denied as baseless.
A Remote Penal Colony
Paul Whelan remains incarcerated in a penal colony located 350 miles east of Moscow in the remote Russian province of Mordovia. Despite surviving an attack by a fellow prisoner in November, he remains in captivity.
Growing Concerns for Another Detainee
Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, is another American held in pre-trial detention in Russia on espionage charges. Whelan and his family are concerned that efforts to secure Gershkovich’s release could leave Paul behind.
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Family’s Emotional Toll
Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, has expressed concern about Paul’s morale and ability to endure his prison sentence, especially after the recent loss of their family dog, Flora.
U.S. Commitment to Rescuing Detainees
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured reporters that the U.S. is actively working to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad. The National Security Council emphasizes President Biden’s commitment to bringing home detainees like Paul Whelan.
Rejection of Offers and Diplomacy
The U.S. has made significant offers to Russia for the release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, but one of these offers was rejected in early December. Diplomatic efforts continue, including discussions with third-party countries to secure their release.
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Internet Reaction to Whelan’s Plea
News of Paul Whelan’s plea sparked outrage on the internet, with many criticizing President Biden and his administration for not doing enough to bring the ex-Marine home.
Criticism and Speculation
Online comments ranged from accusations that Biden doesn’t care to claims that he is unable to negotiate effectively. Some netizens speculated on political motives, while others expressed frustration with the current state of affairs.
Calls for Action
Despite the criticism, there were also expressions of support for Whelan and his family, with some calling for action and prayers for his release.
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A Plea That Ignites Debate
Paul Whelan’s heartfelt plea for help has ignited a debate on the internet, highlighting the challenges and expectations surrounding the efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad.
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