![]() His family says Whelan is not a spy - and that he was visiting Russia only to attend a wedding.ĬNN, citing Whelan’s lawyer in Russia, Vladimir Zherebenkov, reported that Whelan “has been charged and detained … since the day of his arrest.” Zherebenkov said his client was being held without bail, which he called “excessive and unwarranted,” and said he was seeking bail. Whelan is being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, accused by Russia of trying to steal official secrets. ![]() Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.” Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Embassy of Ireland in Moscow has requested consular access to an Irish citizen currently detained in Russia after receiving a request for assistance,” according to Irish state broadcaster RTE.Īnd Canada’s CBC News says it received a statement from the government’s Global Affairs Canada, saying, “Consular officials are aware that a Canadian citizen has been arrested in Russia. “British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was extremely worried about Whelan and that the United Kingdom needed to see the case” against him, NPR’s Frank Langfitt reports from London. At least three countries have confirmed that they have requested consular access to Whelan: The U.S., Britain and Ireland say they’re working to support him in detention and ensure his rights are respected. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Whelan was born in Canada and has since gained citizenship in the U.S., Britain and Ireland. Marine Paul Whelan as he remains in a Moscow prison over allegations of espionage. government isn’t able to impact the case,” said David.Ĭopyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.Embassies of several countries are trying to assist ex-U.S. “He’s still in a Russian labor camp and it’s I think it’s very difficult for people to comprehend, that someone can be in this position for so long and that the U.S. The Whelan family’s goal is, and has always been, to bring Paul Whelan home - and until that happens, they will make sure he is not forgotten. We’ve seen a lot more public announcements and discussions about Paul’s case,” David Whelan said. “I think, in year three, we have seen a lot more engagement on behalf of the U.S. That work behind the scenes is what he believes is keeping Paul Whelan in the forefront and will eventually bring him home. I’ve continued to work with media to try and make sure that people are aware that there are American citizens and not just Paul, dozens and dozens of American citizens being held by foreign nations in a sense of hostage diplomacy, trying to get some sort of concession from the United States in return for sending back their citizens,” David Whelan said. “The resolutions that came through in the House and the Senate on his behalf were because of her lobbying. senators, representatives, the Department of Justice and other agencies that could help Paul’s case. Paul and David’s sister Elizabeth continues to go to Washington D.C. These last three years have been full of hard work for the Whelan family. “It’s really hard to hit a three-year mark and know that three Christmases, three birthdays, all of this time has gone past,” said Paul’s twin brother David Whelan. Read: Paul Whelan in message to family from Russian prison: ‘Corruption here knows no bounds’ Now, three years later, he is still being held in a Russian prison camp. ![]() The Russian government said he was there as a U.S. He said he was in Russia to attend a friend’s wedding. – Paul Whelan was arrested in Moscow on Dec. ![]()
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