Ex-Marine reveals harsh treatment in Russian prison

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Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan opened up about the harrowing experience of being mistreated in a Russian labor camp during a recent interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation.” Whelan, who was held for years on trumped-up charges, shared his ordeal as part of Russia’s attempt to leverage the U.S. into releasing imprisoned Russian spies.

Whelan didn’t hold back when describing the harsh conditions he faced. “They would strap me to a bench or a table,” he recounted. “They would strike my feet and my body with rubber batons.” The mistreatment wasn’t just physical – Whelan revealed he was subjected to sleep deprivation and other psychological challenges.

The former Marine’s captivity was no walk in the park. He described being held in isolation for 16 hours a day in a cell smaller than a standard parking space. Talk about claustrophobic! The remaining time was spent doing forced labor in a clothing factory.

Whelan’s release in December was part of a prisoner swap that saw the U.S. free Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. However, Whelan expressed frustration that the Biden administration hadn’t secured his freedom earlier, especially since he’d been wrongfully detained since 2018.

Despite his ordeal, Whelan showed resilience and determination. He emphasized the importance of not giving up hope and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. His story serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by Americans abroad and the complex nature of international diplomacy.

The interview also touched on the ongoing detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia. Whelan urged the U.S. government to take swift action to secure Gershkovich’s release, highlighting the need for continued efforts to bring home wrongfully detained Americans.

Whelan’s account sheds light on the harsh realities of wrongful detention and the challenges faced by those caught in the crosshairs of international politics. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of diplomatic efforts and the human cost of geopolitical tensions.