Paul Whelan, the former U.S. Marine, has been held in Russia since 2018. As supporters celebrate Brittney Griner's release, they — Whelan himself included — are wondering why he was left behind.
"That early warning meant that our family has been able to mentally prepare for what is now a public disappointment for us," David Whelan told the."And a catastrophe for Paul. I do not know if he is aware yet, although he will surely learn from Russian media. Our parents have had calls with him every day since his return to IK-17 on December 2d, and they will surely speak to him soon.
"I would say that if a message could go to President Biden, that this is a precarious situation that needs to be resolved quickly," Whelan said."My bags are packed. I'm ready to go home. I just need an airplane to come and get me."Despite the disappointment, Whelan's brother said he is happy for Griner and her loved ones, adding that"there is no greater success than for a wrongful detainee to be freed and for them to go home.
over his exclusion and calls from some politicians, civil rights groups, the WNBA and other advocates to bring Whelan — and other Americans detained abroad --- home safe.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Family of Paul Whelan, American imprisoned in Russia, prepared for ‘disappointment’ ahead of Brittney Griner’s releaseWhelan has been jailed in Russia since December 2018 on charges of espionage, which he and the U.S. government has denied.
Read more »
Paul Whelan reacts to Griner's release as he remains in RussiaIn a phone interview with CNN, Whelan said he doesn't understand why he's still in Russian custody. He noted that his case is being treated differently than others. abc15
Read more »
Family of imprisoned American Paul Whelan says it remains a 'catastrophe' he is held in RussiaThe family of Paul Whelan, an American businessman and former Marine imprisoned in Russia on suspicion of spying, says they were told in advance that he would not be part of the prisoner swap that allowed the release of Brittney Griner.
Read more »
GOP rips Brittney Griner deal for stranding Paul Whelan in Russia: ‘Celebrities over veterans?'House Republicans criticized President Biden for agreeing to a deal that returned NBA star Brittney Griner to the U.S., but left Paul Whelan stuck in Russia.
Read more »
American Paul Whelan left behind again in Russia-US prisoner swapPresident Joe Biden said the White House has 'not forgotten' about Paul Whelan, an American veteran who's been jailed in Russia since December 2018.
Read more »
Family of American prisoner Paul Whelan backs Griner dealThe family of an Paul Whelan, an American detained in Russia for nearly four years and counting, says the Biden administration “made the right decision” in agreeing to a prisoner exchange that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Read more »