A year after Griner’s Russia release, Whelan family begs Biden: ‘Bring Paul back
Former Marine Paul Whelan’s Release from Russian Detention Delayed
It was supposed to be a moment of celebration for Paul Whelan’s family. Exactly one year ago, on Dec. 8, 2022, the Biden administration successfully secured the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner from a Russian prison. However, as Whelan continues to languish in prison on disputed espionage charges, his family wonders why they are still waiting.
“I thought that after the last exchange, there was an awful lot of press from the White House, the U.S. government those first days after Dec. 8 last year, where they were immediately getting back to work, they were really going to come up with new ideas, they were immediately going to look for new ways to bring Paul home,” expressed David Whelan, Paul’s brother, in an interview with the Washington Examiner. “And none of that really happened.”
While the release of Griner brought hope for Paul Whelan’s freedom, the reality has been different. Griner was exchanged for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.” Bout, who was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the United States, received a 25-year jail sentence.
Despite the administration’s assurance of continued efforts to secure Paul Whelan’s release, Russian officials consider his crimes to be more significant. Whelan was arrested in late 2018 during a wedding trip to Russia and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020 on espionage charges, which he vehemently denies.
Former President Donald Trump revealed that he had turned down a deal during his presidency that would have secured Whelan’s release in exchange for Bout. In contrast, President Joe Biden agreed to the Griner swap and another earlier in the year, both of which excluded Paul Whelan.
David Whelan now appeals to President Biden to fulfill his promise of not abandoning Paul’s case and to bring him home as quickly as possible. These pleas come in the wake of Russia’s rejection of a recent proposal that would have secured Paul Whelan’s release, along with that of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested earlier this year on espionage charges.
While the details of the rejected proposal remain undisclosed, Paul Whelan’s situation grows increasingly dire. He was recently assaulted in prison, with his brother recounting the incident, “The prisoner hit Paul in the face, breaking Paul’s glasses in the process, and attempted to hit him a second time. Paul stood up to block the second hit, and other prisoners intervened to prevent the prisoner continuing to attack Paul.”
As Paul Whelan remains behind bars, Viktor Bout has won an election to serve in a regional legislature in Russia, and Brittney Griner has resumed her basketball career with the Phoenix Mercury.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
Why are many questioning the effectiveness of the efforts made by the US government in negotiating for Paul Whelan’s release
Tor Butt, in a swap that was widely publicized and celebrated. However, the circumstances surrounding Whelan’s case have proven to be much more complicated.
Paul Whelan, a former United States Marine, was arrested in Moscow in December 2018 on charges of espionage. The Russian authorities claimed that Whelan was caught red-handed with classified information, while Whelan himself maintains that he was set up and that he was in Russia for a wedding. His family and the US government have repeatedly called for his release, insisting that he is innocent and unjustly detained.
In the intervening years, there have been numerous diplomatic efforts to secure Whelan’s release. The topic has been discussed multiple times during negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Joe Biden. However, it seems that progress has been slow and hindered by various geopolitical factors.
One of the major challenges faced by Whelan’s case is the strained relationship between the US and Russia. The two countries have been at odds over a range of issues, including election interference, cyberattacks, and territorial disputes. This tense atmosphere has undoubtedly made it more difficult for diplomatic negotiations to yield positive results.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to delays in the legal proceedings and diplomatic efforts. Restrictions on travel and limited embassy staffing have impeded direct communication between the American and Russian authorities. This has further extended Whelan’s time in detention and added to the frustration of his family and supporters.
Despite these hurdles, Paul Whelan’s family remains hopeful and determined to bring him home. They have tirelessly advocated for his release, engaging with government officials, human rights organizations, and the media to raise awareness about his case. In their efforts, they have not been alone. The Whelan family has received support from across the political spectrum, with both Democrats and Republicans calling for action.
The reiteration of support from President Biden during his campaign and in the early days of his presidency raised expectations. However, the lack of progress since Brittney Griner’s release has left many questioning the effectiveness of these efforts. The Whelan family and their supporters continue to urge the US government to explore new strategies and negotiate more vigorously for Whelan’s release.
The case of Paul Whelan serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crosshairs of international disputes. As geopolitical tensions persist, innocent people like Whelan can become pawns in a high-stakes game. It is essential that governments prioritize the protection and fair treatment of their citizens, and work diligently to resolve diplomatic issues that arise.
As we approach the two-year mark since Paul Whelan’s arrest, his family’s anguish and frustration are palpable. They are anxiously awaiting the day when their loved one will be able to return home and rebuild his life. Until then, they will continue to fight for justice and maintain hope that the delays and setbacks will eventually be overcome, bringing an end to this prolonged ordeal.
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