Family of Michigan Man Detained as Spy by Russia Still Waiting for Specific Charges
Family members say it’s been hard to get details about Paul Whelan’s arrest in Russia other than that he’s charged under the rather broad category of “espionage.” Family says at least four countries now involved in the case.
Michigan native Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence in Russia on espionage charges he and the U.S. vehemently deny.
The family of a Michigan man detained in Russia for alleged espionage say this week may be the first time they hear specifics of the charges against him.
Family members say even though Paul Whelan was arrested in Moscow more than a week ago, Russian agencies that could provide more information about his case were closed until now for the Orthodox Christmas holiday.
Whelan has four passports, one each from the U.S., Britain, Canada and Ireland.
Embassy officials from all four countries have been granted consular access to Whelan by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, though so far only U.S. staff and its ambassador have actually visited with him.
Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, tells WDET’s Quinn Klinefelter that the U.S. embassy will continue to take charge of the case because his sibling entered Russia on a U-S passport.
