US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday known as for the instant launch of American businessman Paul Whelan who has been detained in Russia since 2018.
“Today marks four years that Paul Whelan has spent wrongfully detained, away from his family, suffering through an unfathomable ordeal,” Blinken stated in a press release.
“His detention remains unacceptable, and we continue to press for his immediate release at every opportunity.”
Whelan, a former marine and company safety govt, was detained in Moscow in 2018 by Russian authorities on espionage fees. He was subjected to a secret trial and sentenced to 16 years.
“Our efforts to secure Paul’s release will not cease until he is back home with his family where he belongs,” Blinken added.
President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, for his half, additionally stated the US won’t cease “until all Americans can celebrate Paul’s return”.
“Paul and the Whelan family recently showed the entire country the meaning of generosity of spirit in celebrating a fellow American’s return while Russia continues its deplorable treatment of Paul as a bargaining chip,” stated Sullivan in a press release.
“I am grateful for the partnership of the Whelan family as we work to reunite them with Paul,” he added.
The Biden administration traded detained American basketball participant Brittney Griner for a convicted Russian arms seller Viktor Bout in a prisoner swap earlier this month.
