Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, a Marine Corps veteran currently serving prison time in Russia for spying was attacked by a fellow inmate on Tuesday. The assault on Paul Whelan was confirmed by Russia’s prison service on Wednesday, after Whelan’s brother made the news public. Whelan, who was given a bad-conduct discharge from the Marines in 2008 and subsequently convicted of espionage by a Russian court in 2020, has consistently denied the charges against him.
Ex-Marine Biden Left Behind in Russian Prison to Free Brittney Griner Attacked By Inmate https://t.co/RME3NDiz6Q
— Ron cohen (@Roncohe54918265) December 1, 2023
According to a statement from Dave Whelan, Paul Whelan’s brother, the assault took place in a “sewing workshop” within the high-security complex where he is being held. The altercation occurred when a new prisoner refused to move out of the way, despite repeated requests from Paul Whelan. The prisoner then proceeded to strike Whelan in the face, breaking his glasses, and attempted to hit him again.
In an audio statement, Paul Whelan expressed his concern for his safety during the assault, as the attacker was holding a potentially deadly weapon. While trying to defend himself, Whelan sought the assistance of prison staff but faced significant difficulty in finding them on the factory floor. Following the incident, the U.S. State Department called for Whelan’s release and demanded his safety be ensured, stating that he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Dave Whelan further revealed that he believed his brother had been targeted due to the prevalent resentment towards Americans among other prisoners. Paul Whelan himself remarked in October that he felt like a “marked man” because of the U.S. government’s decision to leave him in Russia. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, and prison officials will review it before reporting the actions to the police.
It is worth noting that the U.S. has repeatedly denied Whelan’s status as a spy. As Whelan receives treatment for an abrasion under one of his eyes, his attacker’s condition remains undisclosed.
