Freed American Paul Whelan Wears Biden’s Flag Pin Daily, Lawyer Says

Paul Whelan is set to return to his home state of Michigan next week after completing a 19-day resettlement period at Brooke Army Medical Center. His attorney, Ryan Fayhee, confirmed to ABC News that Whelan is “looking forward to rebuilding his life.” This comes after over five years of imprisonment in a Russian penal colony, where Whelan, a former Marine, reported experiences of forced labor.

Designated as a wrongful detainee by the U.S. government, Whelan was part of a recent prisoner swap that also involved Americans Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva. This multi-country exchange returned eight prisoners to Russia. Fayhee noted that Whelan is currently undergoing various medical tests and treatments, a standard procedure for wrongfully detained Americans upon their return. He expressed hope that Whelan can soon reconnect with friends and family and start to organize his life after such a prolonged absence.

Whelan was arrested in December 2018 on espionage charges. He faced a trial that led to a conviction and a 16-year sentence at a penal colony, a decision the U.S. government condemned as wrongful detention. The case has drawn widespread attention and concern over the treatment of American citizens detained abroad.

Brooke Army Medical Center, located in San Antonio, Texas, is the largest military healthcare facility in the Department of Defense. It serves more than 4,000 military and civilian trauma patients each year and houses the only Level I Trauma Center in the military healthcare system. Fayhee described the initial response from medical staff as immediate, emphasizing the importance of timely evaluation.

In a touching moment during his arrival in San Antonio, President Joe Biden presented Whelan with his American flag lapel pin. According to Fayhee, Whelan has worn it proudly every day since his release. Much of his time at the medical center has been spent reading. He returned home with four bags of books sent to him during his detention and is focused on understanding the efforts made by his family and the U.S. government to secure his freedom.

Fayhee has spoken about Whelan’s experience during his recovery, mentioning a couple of visitors he has received and an unforgettable steak dinner they shared off the military base. The emotional weight of such moments is significant for both Whelan and Fayhee, as they reflect on the challenges and experiences they’ve faced.

The process of securing the release of an American detained abroad involves a complex system of advocacy, touching on aspects from the State Department’s dedicated office for hostage affairs to efforts from family members and friends. Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, has emphasized that, upon an American’s detention abroad, he approaches the situation with the expectation of achieving their release. He believes that projecting optimism is crucial in navigating these difficult circumstances.

Fayhee acknowledged the emotional toll that Whelan experienced while seeing others released before him, including Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner. These individuals were exchanged in deals that excluded Whelan, which Fayhee suggested was part of a broader attempt by Russia to exploit the situation and create division among Americans.

The context of Whelan’s detention is indicative of a distressing trend in modern hostage diplomacy, according to Fayhee. He believes that Whelan’s 2018 arrest may have set a precedent for subsequent detentions tied to Russia’s intentions to leverage American citizens for political gain.

In light of his experience, Fayhee advocates for better awareness of the risks associated with travel to countries like Russia. He has stressed the importance of expediting the designation of wrongful detentions, arguing that hastening these processes would enable the U.S. government to respond more effectively. The government has shown willingness to explore mechanisms to prioritize these urgent cases.

Fayhee pointed out that identifying potential indicators of wrongful detention during the arrest phase is crucial. Ensuring that cases are elevated within governmental agencies promptly can significantly influence outcomes. He emphasized that the U.S. needs to remain vigilant and proactive regarding these threats.

In a related note, Russian-American Ksenia Karelina was sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony on treason charges after her arrest while visiting family in January. The White House condemned the ruling as “vindictive cruelty,” and the State Department is continuing its efforts to connect with her. Their approach reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing wrongful detentions and advocating for those unjustly imprisoned.

Source: ABC News