A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced a former U.S. Marine to 14 years in prison for espionage, a verdict that Washington has condemned as politically motivated.
Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was arrested in Moscow in December 2018. Russian authorities accused him of receiving classified information. Whelan has maintained his innocence, saying he was in Russia to attend a friend’s wedding.
The U.S. State Department called the verdict “unacceptable” and demanded Whelan’s immediate release. “The United States is gravely concerned by the verdict and sentencing of Paul Whelan,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We have repeatedly called on Russia to release him.”
Whelan’s family has also expressed outrage over the ruling. “This is a sham trial and a travesty of justice,” his brother, David Whelan, said in a statement. “We will not stop fighting for Paul’s freedom.”
The sentencing comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West over a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Whelan’s case has become a focal point for U.S.-Russia relations, with Washington accusing Moscow of using him as a political pawn.
