American Paul Whelan, Imprisoned in Russia for Five Years, Finally Freed
Historic Prisoner Swap Brings Two Americans Home
Former Marine and Wall Street Journal Reporter Released
After five years of agonizing uncertainty and diplomatic wrangling, former Marine and corporate executive Paul Whelan has been freed from Russian captivity as part of a historic prisoner swap.
Whelan, a Novi resident, was arrested in Moscow in 2018 on espionage charges that he vehemently denied. His prolonged detention sparked widespread outrage and diplomatic efforts to secure his release.
Along with Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was also freed in the swap. The Canadian-born journalist had been imprisoned in Russia for more than a year on charges related to his reporting.
The prisoner swap marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough and a long-awaited moment for the families of both Whelan and Gershkovich.
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