American citizen Paul Whelan, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges he vehemently denies, made a heartfelt plea to President Joe Biden on Thursday. Whelan urged President Biden to handle his case as he would if his own son were being held hostage, emphasizing the urgency of his situation.
Whelan highlighted the plight of several American citizens held captive by rogue regimes worldwide, stressing the need for the US government to prioritize their release. He described his over five and a half years of detention in Russia as a violation of human rights, citing harsh living conditions and forced labor.
Spending another Fourth of July in Russian detention, Whelan expressed the surreal feeling of missing out on traditional holiday celebrations like parades, fireworks, and gatherings with loved ones. He lamented the absence of simple pleasures such as hot dogs and fireworks, underscoring the stark contrast between his current reality and the freedoms he once enjoyed.
Despite the challenges he faces, Whelan drew strength from the support of his family, friends, and government officials working towards his release. He expressed gratitude towards members of Congress and government agencies advocating for his return to the United States.
As Whelan continues to endure his imprisonment in a remote prison camp in Mordovia, he remains hopeful that his plea for assistance will resonate with President Biden and prompt decisive action to secure his freedom.
