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There was joy and happiness after Brittney Griner‘s release from Russian law enforcement, however, Paul Whelan is yet to come home, and his family hopes for his return. The former U.S. Marine has been held hostage in Russia for four years after getting “framed.”
Airing the voice of the Marine’s family, his twin brother says he wants his brother freed and hopes to say “Welcome home” to him. David Whelan, Paul’s twin, admitted to PEOPLE that he felt hopeless when his brother wasn’t on the plane with Griner.
David asserted that prior to Brittney Griner’s release, Trevor Reed came home, while the marine was still held captive. It brought several questions to Paul Whelan’s family as they hoped for his return.
Paul Whelan served as a cop in Michigan for 15 years.
Paul Whelan enlisted in the Marines in 1994.
Paul Whelan deployed to Iraq in 2004.
Paul Whelan is an American hero.
Biden did NOTHING to free him.#FreePaulWhelan 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rwK72n8cXM— LLM (@LindyMa66651571) December 17, 2022
Brittney Griner’s Release Makes Paul Whelan’s Family Question If He’ll Ever Return
Two American citizens have been freed from Russian prisons, while Paul Whelan is yet to return to his family. The situation made David ask how many more shots the U.S. government is going to take.
The 52-year-old librarian also questioned when the Russian government will get what they want and release his brother. The hope of the Marine’s family continues to wane year after year without a solution in sight.
David further told the media outlet that he reads Russian tabloids every day in a bid to find something to help his brother. There’s never a time he’s not thinking about Paul Whelan, what he’s suffering currently, and when he’ll return.
What Landed Paul in Russian Prison?
ICYMI, the former marine, has visited Russia a couple of times. However, he was reluctant to go again after another Marine begged him to come help at his wedding to a Russian.
He arrived and was at a Moscow Hotel when a Russian friend handed him a USB drive. Before he knew what was happening, he was arrested and charged with espionage, and this was since 2018.
Paul Whelan’s family had hoped that he’ll return with Brittney Griner after her release. But they were wrong, as luck is yet to be on their side.
It’s a sad situation no doubt, and the U.S. government needs to take more action. Paul hasn’t seen his aged parents since his arrest.
His mother had just slipped on ice, and his arrest will break her even more.
