American Paul Whelan Marks 5 Years Imprisoned in Russia Despite U.S. Proclaiming His Innocence
• Paul Whelan is a U.S. citizen and former Marine who has now spent 5 years imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges that the U.S. says are false.
• He was arrested in Moscow in 2018 while attending a friend's wedding and handed a flash drive with alleged "state secrets," though he claims he didn't know the contents.
• Efforts over the years to secure his release in a prisoner exchange have so far failed, while other jailed Americans like Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner were freed.
• Whelan has faced harsh conditions and assaults in the Russian penal colony where he's confined. His family says he's now "begging for his life."
• U.S. officials remain committed to freeing Whelan but don't seem to have any concessions to offer Russia to make a deal, leaving little hope for his release soon.