December 28 marked a grim five-year anniversary of the wrongful detention of U.S. citizen Paul Whelan in Russia, as highlighted by the State Department spokesperson (@StateDeptSpox). The department continues to advocate for Paul’s release and fair treatment of detained U.S. citizens. Expressing personal anguish, a user (@Benchimolium) noted that Paul has been alive for 341 days and in captivity for 81 days, while the James Foley Legacy Foundation (@JamesFoleyFund) reiterated the years lost for Paul and his family. According to Axios (@axios), Whelan has criticized the current diplomatic efforts as insufficient. The Messenger (@TheMessenger) reported that Whelan is calling on President Biden to do more for his release.
American Paul Whelan has been detained in Russia for 5 years He's calling on Biden to do more to secure his release https://t.co/gSleK1IOvH
Paul Whelan, marking 5 years in Russian detention, says "diplomatic efforts have failed" him https://t.co/grEaoaYT6R
5 long years without Paul Whelan. 5 long years lost for Paul and his family. #BringPaulHome We care for the lives of hostages, detainees and their families, and will never stop advocating for Paul and all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained. https://t.co/01aCGndyEM
December 28 marks the terrible milestone of five years since Russia wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. We continue to push for Paul’s release and to fiercely advocate for fair and transparent treatment of all U.S. citizens detained in Russia.
We will see you alive, smiling and without any harm 🥹 We will hug you soon my son, our son ❤️ We will not forget you and all the #hostages 🫡 Days alive: 341 Days in captivity: 81 #FreeHostages #BringThemHome #BringThemHomeNow #BringThemAllHomeNow @UNICEF @ICRC #HamasislSIS https://t.co/KGtcycyHCR