DETROIT, MI (MPRN)-- A former U.S. Marine imprisoned in Russia is asking President Biden to negotiate his release during the upcoming summit with Vladimir Putin.
Michigan native Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage. Russian officials arrested Whelan in 2018, accusing him of having classified documents. Whelan says he thought were vacation photos.
Now, Whelan’s parents have released a recording of a phone call their son made two weeks ago – a direct appeal to President Biden.
“I implore you to bring this appalling case of hostage diplomacy to an end. I remain innocent. No crime of espionage occurred,” he said.
In a recent interview Russian President Putin said he was open to the idea of a prisoner exchange.
U.S. officials have argued Russia should simply release Whelan, because there is no concrete evidence against him.