Family arrested in Russia, the ex-marine said about his innocence. US demand his release

Russia must immediately release the detainee Paul Whelan, said today, January 2, during a trip to Brazil, Mike Pompeo. Also, US Secretary of state demanded that Moscow explained their actions.

Pompeo expressed hope that U.S. officials will soon be able to meet with a retired marine. According to Secretary of state, the arrest of Paul Whelan — political action without any evidence of his involvement in espionage.

The man also believes that he was detained without reason. According to relatives, Paul Whelan had visited Russia many times and this time came to Moscow for the wedding.

Family arrested in Russia, the ex-marine said about his innocence. US demand his release
Family Paul Whelan also believes that he was detained without reason. . Photo: DOJ

«His innocence is not in doubt, and we believe his rights will be protected,» say the relatives of American.

As told by brother Paul Whelan, who once served in the marine Corps of the United States, participated in combat operations in Iraq. He is now retired and works at BorgWarner involved in the supply of automotive parts. The company management confirmed this fact and said: Whelan heads the security Department.

According to reports, Paul Whelan lives in the small town of Novi, in Michigan. He made several trips to Russia on business firms and on personal matters, and until recently, the Russian authorities had no claim to it. The family was shocked after learning about the arrest.

Relationship with Whelan went missing last Friday, December 28, after which his friends have applied to the Moscow police. Only a few days it became known that he was detained on suspicion of espionage.

Political experts believe that the retired American military could be arrested because of the case’s Butinai. In their view, Russia needed a loud precedent, and Whelan was perfect for the role of the victim. The authorities of the Russian Federation will not be difficult to accuse the former marine in spying, and in the future it will try to exchange for Butino, which has agreed to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the United States.

Blackmail with use of hostages Russia regularly practiced against Ukraine. Now this technique decided to use against the U.S., knowing that they don’t leave their citizens to fend for themselves.

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