Novi man brands Putin regime ‘absolute nonsense’
Coming home from Russia after five long years in prison, Paul Whelan of Novi, Michigan, expressed his relief and aired his grievances about his confinement. “I’m never going back there again,” he declared.
Whelan was ensnared in charges of espionage while attending a wedding in Russia. Despite no trial or evidence, he was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in 2020. His release is due to the largest post-Soviet prisoner swap that involved months of negotiations and concessions.
Expressing his frustration, Whelan said, “Looking forward to seeing my family down here and just recuperating from five years, seven months and five days of just absolute nonsense. This is how Putin runs his government. This is how Putin runs his country”.
Upon his arrival in San Antonio, Texas for medical evaluations, along with two other released prisoners, Whelan conveyed his gratitude to his family for continuously pressuring the U.S. government to secure his release and to all who wished him well. He also shared that one of the first things he plans to do while in Texas is to have a steak.
As of now, there is no information on when he might return to Michigan.
