As Brittney Griner’s family celebrates her release from a Russian prison, the family of Paul Whelan continues to push for the release of a man they believe was wrongfully imprisoned. Whelan, a former United States Marine, was arrested and jailed on spying charges in Russia.
The US government tried to negotiate the release of Britney and Whelan, but the Russians refused. “This was not a situation where we had a choice of which American to take home,” a senior administration official said. CNN. “It was a choice between bringing home one particular American, Brittney Griner, or bringing home none at all.”
Whelan said CNN he was happy for Griner, but disappointed that the government did not secure his freedom.
Paul Whelan is not married and has no children.
Paul Whelan is not married, but he apparently believes in the institution of marriage. According to the Detroit Free PressWhelan was in Moscow attending the wedding of a former Marine buddy.
The outlet reports that Whelan would help the wedding party move around Moscow before returning to the United States in January 2019. However, he was arrested on December 28, 2018 by the Russian Federal Security Service.
David Whelan, Paul’s twin brother, said via ABC’s Jay O’Brien that the administration correctly brought Brittney Griner home. Whelan said:
“The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home and make the deal that was possible, rather than wait for one that wasn’t going to happen.”
David said the family knew Paul would not be coming home long before the information became public. “That early warning meant our family was able to mentally prepare for what is now a public disappointment for us. And a catastrophe for Paul,” David said.
President Biden said Russia was treating Paul’s case differently “for totally illegitimate reasons.” He added: “While we have not yet managed to secure Paul’s release, we will not give up. We never give up.”
In addition to David, Paul has two siblings: Andrew and Elizabeth. He has American, British, Canadian and Irish citizenship.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn