Wed Sep 18 01:09:00 UTC 2024: ## Freed American Detainee Calls for Better Support for Hostages

**Washington, D.C. -** Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who spent nearly five years in a Russian prison after being wrongfully convicted of espionage, has called for improved support for Americans detained abroad. Speaking at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Whelan urged the government to prioritize the well-being of detainees after they are released.

Whelan, who was released in a complex prisoner swap in August, emphasized the need for better care and support, particularly for those who have endured extreme conditions. He cited examples of other detainees returning to the U.S. who had suffered severe hardships, including prolonged periods in unsanitary environments.

“We spoke about how the next person’s experience could be better,” Whelan said. “What the government could do for the next person that’s held hostage and comes home – the care and support that other people might need, especially people that are in a worse situation.”

Whelan’s case, which garnered significant attention and involved months of negotiations with multiple countries, highlighted the challenges faced by Americans detained abroad. He had been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018, with the U.S. government consistently maintaining his innocence.

His release, alongside Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and other Americans, was a significant accomplishment, but Whelan stressed that the work is not over. He advocated for increased government resources and support for Americans who face similar situations.

Whelan’s message comes at a time when concerns about American citizens being held abroad have risen. He urged those considering travel to Russia to be cautious, acknowledging the risks involved.

“You have a target on your back,” Rep. Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat, said, echoing Whelan’s concerns.

Whelan’s experience and his call for action are likely to influence future efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad. His case, and the tireless efforts of his family and advocates, have brought renewed attention to the plight of these individuals and the need for greater support from the U.S. government.

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