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, is now serving a 25-year sentence.
Despite the administration’s assurances 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 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 similar espionage charges.
While the details of the rejected proposal remain undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of prisoner swap negotiations, the Whelan family’s frustration grows as they await Paul’s return. In the meantime, 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.
Source: The Washington Examiner
What efforts have been made by the Whelan family and diplomatic channels to secure Paul Whelan’s release?
Ve Whelan, Paul’s brother, in a recent interview. The Whelan family had hoped that Paul’s release would follow Brittney Griner’s, as the previous high-level diplomatic engagement had seemingly paved the way for it. However, despite numerous pleas and efforts, Paul Whelan’s release from Russian detention has been delayed indefinitely.
Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in December 2018 while visiting Russia for a friend’s wedding. He was accused of espionage and has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ever since. The charges against him are dubious, and many experts believe that he is being used as a pawn in Russia’s geopolitical strategy. Whelan has repeatedly denied the allegations and maintains his innocence.
His family has tirelessly advocated for his release since his arrest, hoping that diplomatic channels would prove successful in bringing him home. However, despite meetings between top Russian and American officials, including several between Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, no progress has been made in securing Whelan’s freedom.
The delay in Paul Whelan’s release raises concerns about the effectiveness of the diplomatic efforts being made on his behalf. Whelan’s family has criticized the lack of transparency and urgency from both the Russian and American governments. They question why the same level of attention and commitment that was given to securing the release of Brittney Griner has not been extended to Paul Whelan.
The Whelan family’s frustration is understandable, as they see other high-profile cases resolved while Paul continues to languish in prison. They have demanded an update on the status of negotiations and an explanation for the delay. The lack of clear communication has left them feeling helpless and hopeless.
International human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also raised concerns about Paul Whelan’s prolonged detention and the questionable charges against him. They have called on both the Russian and American governments to prioritize his case and ensure a fair and transparent legal process.
It is crucial for the international community to join in demanding justice for Paul Whelan. Every individual’s human rights should be respected, and no one should be unjustly detained. Governments must not turn a blind eye but should actively pursue fairness and justice for those who have been wronged.
As the world watches and waits for further developments in Paul Whelan’s case, it is essential not to forget the urgency and significance of his plight. His release should be a priority for both Russia and the United States, reflecting the values of justice, fairness, and human rights that they claim to uphold.
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