Some good news for Paul Whelan’s family
Cautiously optimistic, still campaigning for release
The Whelan family is focused on positive news and gratitude.
Some of that is renewed interest in the plight of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, arrested nearly four years ago in Russia and convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has denied the charges.
His family rallied to handle his affairs in the U.S., with twin brother David Whelan acting as spokesman.
On Tuesday, David Whelan shared the family’s gratitude for the renewed interest sparked by the release of another detained American, WNBA star Brittney Griner. That put a spotlight on Whelan’s case and his brother noted an upswell in support for Paul.
“Even in these hyper-partisan days, we have received emails and donations from people of what seems to be all political perspectives sending Paul their best wishes and hope for a speedy return home,” David Whelan wrote in an email to supporters. “Americans pulling together for an American.”
One sign of that bipartisanship is Tuesday’s announcement that Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rep. Haley Stevens, and Arkansas Republican Congressman French Hill along with Senators Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, and Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, to introduce bills making March 9 an annual National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
Like other national days used to call attention to issues that may otherwise be overlooked, this one highlights the urgency needed to free Americans wrongfully detained in other countries. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged that more than 40 Americans are being wrongfully de
tained around the world.
Officials don’t disclose information about Americans detained or held hostage, so it’s unclear if anyone besides Whelan is from Michigan.
On May 24, 2021, journalist Danny Fenster, a graduate of Berkley High School, was arrested in Myanmar and detained and sentenced to 11 years in prison before his release on Nov. 15, 2021.
The bills are inspired by a report from The James W. Foley Legacy Center showing a 175% increase in U.S. nationals wrongfully detained or held hostage this decade compared to previous decades. The Foley Center is named for journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped in northern Syria and murdered on Aug. 19, 2014.
The proposed legislation includes a flag that governments, businesses and individuals can fly to raise awareness.
Stevens said she learned of Paul Whelan’s unlawful detention just days before being sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2019.
“The Whelan family, like so many families of hostages detained abroad, have shown unbelievable strength, courage, and grace in what can only be described as a nightmare situation,” she said. “Our bipartisan, bicameral designation today is a small step in ensuring that the names of Americans wrongfully held abroad are not forgotten. We will never stop fighting until Paul Whelan, and all other Americans hostages, are brought safely home.”
Rep. Hill cofounded the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad.
Sen. Coons said Griner’s release and unjust imprisonment only underscored the need for Congress to continue working to safeguard the lives of wrongfully detained Americans.
Rubio said he was inspired by the death of one of his constituents, Robert Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history. Levinson disappeared in Iran on March 9, 2007 and was declared dead in absentia in 2020.
“We must show our fellow Americans that they have not been forgotten, and at the same time must stop incentivizing our adversaries to take more Americans hostage,” Rubio said.
Paul Whelan continues to make brief phone calls to his parents, who live in Michigan. They shared with him the news of growing GoFundMe donations dedicated to ensure he is able to receive in prison medicine, fruits, vegetables and writing supplies as well as other incidentals.
People have donated between $5 and $2,000, raising $57,645 by Tuesday afternoon toward the $100,000 goal. David Whelan said should his brother be freed, any money left in the account will be refunded to donors.
The family is also asking the public to send cards and letters (not packages) to Paul Whelan by way of the State Department, since mail service between Russia and other countries has stopped as a consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“It has been wonderful to see the photos on Twitter of cards already stamped and addressed … and on their way,” David Whelan wrote. “We’re grateful to people like Ana Navarro-Cárdenas for promoting compassion for Paul and encouraging people to send him a card. In the months ahead, those will bring Paul great comfort. If he ever worried that he’d been forgotten, I think this will provide Paul reassurance that he remains in people’s prayers.”
On Monday Paul Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth Whelan, met virtually with White House officials who assured the family that Paul’s case is a priority for President Joe Biden.
David Whelan said she learned more diplomatic conversations will ensue between the U.S. and the Russian Federation.
“These initial steps give us hope that the third time is the charm,” David Whelan wrote.
Send cards or letters to Paul Whelan (no packages) to Paul N. Whelan, c/o American Citizen Services Unit Consular Section, 5430 Moscow Place, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20521-5430.