The administration of United States President Joe Biden has expressed comfort upon viewing video footage of Paul Whelan, a US citizen imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre urged for the release of Whelan, who is currently serving a 16-year sentence in Russia.
“It was reassuring to witness his resilience, as described by his brother. Paul continues to display immense courage,” stated Jean-Pierre. “Russia must release him without delay.”
For years, the US has been unsuccessful in persuading Russia to secure Whelan’s release, accusing Moscow of unlawfully detaining an American citizen.
A former US marine and security executive, Whelan was apprehended in Russia in 2018 and convicted of espionage in 2020. He has been incarcerated in a penal colony in Mordovia. Recently, the Russian media outlet RT released a video depicting Whelan’s daily routine in a labor camp while wearing a uniform.
Source from www.aljazeera.com rnrn