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Paul Whelan and Vladimir Kara-Murza Freed in August 1 Prisoner Swap Saving 16 Lives

Aug 16, 2024, 09:22 AM

Paul Whelan, an American who had been detained in Russia for years, has returned to the U.S. following a historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West. Whelan's attorney, Ryan Fayhee, discussed Whelan's current condition and the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to his release. Whelan is reportedly wearing a flag pin associated with President Joe Biden every day. The prisoner exchange, which took place earlier this month, also involved the release of Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who met with President Biden at the White House to celebrate his return. Whelan was held in detention in Poland until he was included in the prisoner exchange on August 1. Whelan's lawyer noted the emotional difficulty Whelan experienced seeing others released before him. The exchange has been described as unprecedented and saved 16 lives from Russian imprisonment.