Paul Whelan, an American detainee in Russia, reportedly called his family
early on Friday, his brother said, marking the first time he had spoken to
them in a week. This came after the White House voiced severe worry.
David Whelan, Paul’s brother, released a statement saying that his sibling,
a former U.S. Marine held in Russia since 2018 and convicted on espionage
charges in 2020, had been transferred to the hospital prison.
“So the call at least functions as a ‘proof of life,’ even if nothing else
has been explained: when Paul went there, why, why the calls ceased, why
the U.S. Embassy had to seek information about his whereabouts and the
Russian authorities failed to react, etc.,” added his brother.
early on Friday, his brother said, marking the first time he had spoken to
them in a week. This came after the White House voiced severe worry.
David Whelan, Paul’s brother, released a statement saying that his sibling,
a former U.S. Marine held in Russia since 2018 and convicted on espionage
charges in 2020, had been transferred to the hospital prison.
“So the call at least functions as a ‘proof of life,’ even if nothing else
has been explained: when Paul went there, why, why the calls ceased, why
the U.S. Embassy had to seek information about his whereabouts and the
Russian authorities failed to react, etc.,” added his brother.
