State Department says U.S. Marine veteran was wrongly convicted of espionage.
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy traveled to Mordovia this month, where she was in contact with American citizen Paul Whelan. The former marine was arrested in Russia in 2018 and convicted on espionage charges in 2020, and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The United States maintains that Mr. Whelan was arrested on bogus charges, and the Department of State again requested his immediate release while Ambassador Tracy conducted her visit.
“We believe Paul continues to show tremendous courage in the face of his wrongful detention. Ambassador Tracy reiterated to him that President [Joe] Biden and Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken are committed to bring him home,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Blinken as he heads negotiations for the release of Americans imprisoned abroad.
- For Ambassador Tracy as she fulfills her diplomatic role representing the U.S. to Russia.
- For Mr. Whelan and his family as they endure his imprisonment.
Sources: Radio Free Europe, Voice of America
