Posted 12/25/2023, 4:27:25 PM
American Paul Whelan Marks 5th Christmas In Russian Prison, Feels 'Depressed' And 'Betrayed' By Lack Of Decisive U.S. Action To Free Him
- Paul Whelan has now spent 5 Christmases in a Russian prison on espionage charges he denies; feels "depressed" and "betrayed" the Biden administration hasn't done more to free him
- Blames both Trump and Biden administrations for not countering Russia's "false narrative" and negotiating more forcefully for his release
- Recently assaulted by a fellow prisoner angry over U.S. support for Israel; fears further targeting and lacks medical care if seriously injured
- Frustrated the U.S. keeps claiming progress but then says Russia "moved the goalposts"; wants more decisive action like sanctions on Russia
- Worried he'll never see parents again as years of detention have taken physical, mental and emotional toll on all three of them