Sixteen years in prison for former US Marine for alleged espionage

Former US Marine Paul Whelan received a 16-year prison sentence in Russia today. Whelan, according to Russia, was engaged in espionage. He himself says he was tricked by the Russians and that the statement is an intention for a prisoner exchange.

In protest, Paul Whelan holds an A4 against the window of the suspect’s booth during the verdict. “The sham process” and “Paul’s life matters” is written on the paper.

In December 2018, Whelan was arrested in his Moscow hotel room on suspicion of espionage. The lawsuit that followed took place behind closed doors. The imposed prison sentence causes furious reactions in the US. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo demands immediate release via Twitter.

According to Pompeo, the Russian authorities have treated Whelan horribly and a secret trial with secret evidence has been conducted.

Also, according to the United States Secretary of State, his health was not taken into account during Whelan’s imprisonment. Furthermore, he was not allowed to have contact with his family and friends.

Whelan is in Moscow in late 2018 for a wedding of a former colleague. The immediate reason for his arrest was the possession of a certain USB stick. Prosecutors say there was confidential state information on it.

But the former Marine says he got the stick from a Russian acquaintance and that it only contained holiday photos. “This is all political theater,” Whelan said after Reuters, according to Reuters.

Whelan calls on President Trump to help him. Whelan calls on President Trump to help him.

According to Whelan’s lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenko, the ruling is part of a diplomatic game that the Russians want to play. On his arrest, the former Marine was reported to have been part of a prisoner exchange with the United States.

Moscow has been pushing for the release of two Russians detained in the US for some time. Such an exchange is not inconceivable. In 2010, for example, there was still a large exchange of prisoners between the two countries.

Paul Whelan’s lawyer does not seem to want to wait for a possible new exchange of political prisoners. He told Reuters news agency to appeal the ruling and questioned the independence of the court.


About the author: Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson is a seasoned cybersecurity analyst with over a decade of experience in deciphering digital threats and vulnerabilities.

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