In a rare appearance captured in a video broadcast by Russia Today (RT), imprisoned American Paul Whelan, who has been held on espionage charges that both he and the U.S. government have deemed baseless, is seen in a penal colony in the Mordovia region. Wearing black overalls and a hat, Whelan can be seen operating a sewing machine. When asked how many units he had completed, he replied, “100,” surpassing the expected quota of 80. Whelan was commended by an off-camera voice as a “production leader.”
During the video, an English-speaking RT reporter attempts to interview Whelan, but the former U.S. Marine declines, stating that he cannot answer any questions. The footage also shows Whelan conversing with fellow inmates and having a meal in the cafeteria.
Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, expressed gratitude for being able to see his brother’s current condition after years of limited access. However, he criticized Russia Today’s propagandistic reporting and labeled them as the mouthpiece for war criminals.
The Biden administration has classified Whelan as wrongfully detained by Russia and has been actively involved in efforts to secure his release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spoke to Whelan over the phone, offering support and assurance that the U.S. government is working towards bringing him home.
The U.S. has also been advocating for the release of Evan Gershkovich, an American detained in Russia on unsubstantiated espionage charges. Negotiations for a prisoner swap have been ongoing, but no clear resolution has been reached. President Biden has expressed his commitment to freeing Americans held unlawfully and pointed to previous successful prisoner swaps with Russia, which secured the release of Brittney Griner and Marine veteran Trevor Reed.
Whelan’s family is concerned that he may be left behind as the U.S. pursues Gershkovich’s release. Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs at the U.S. State Department, recounted a difficult phone call with Whelan after Griner’s release, emphasizing the determination to bring him home.
In conclusion, Paul Whelan’s appearance in the Russian state media video sheds some light on his current situation. The U.S. government continues to advocate for his release and explore possible prisoner exchange options.
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