CDM - Human Reporters • Not Machines
Brittney Griner’s release in Russia in exchange for Victor Bout known to us in the media as “Merchant of Death,” and simultaneously failing to bring him Paul Whelan shines the light on other Americans left behind in foreign prisons.
Whelan was convicted over bogus espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He now lives in a penal colony while not even knowing the language according to his brother. .Whalen has denied his guilt and the United States government has denied he was a spy. Whelan has said he is “disappointed.” This past summer Whalen’s name was mentioned in connection with Griner’s for a prisoner swap with Bout. His brother, David, said on CNN on Thursday evening he is worried about Paul’s “mental health.”
Over the summer the U.S. State Department said that there are between 40 and 50 Americans being wrongly detained by foreign governments.
