Moscow, June 20: Paul Whelan, an ex-US marine, who was held in a Russian prison on suspicion of spying has on Thursday called on United States President Donald Trump and leadership of Ireland, Canada, and Britain to support him as he appeared in a court for an appeal hearing.
According to Reuters news reports, the former marine official, who holds Irish, US, Canadian and British passports, was arrested in a hotel room in Moscow on December 28, accused of espionage – a charge which Whelan denies any wrongdoing. If Whelan found guilty, he would have to face 20-year life imprisonment in Russia.
Last month, Whelan said a Russian investigator had been threatening him in custody, as well as, harassed – accusation added to tensions in Russian-US relations.
“Mr president (Trump), we cannot keep America great unless we aggressively protect and defend American citizens wherever they are in the world,” Whelan told reporters at a hearing in Moscow on Thursday.
“I am asking the leaders and governments in Ottawa, Dublin, London, and Washington for their help and public statements of support,” he said, standing inside a glass cage.
On Thursday, Whelan was in a court to appeal against the extension of his custody until August 29. The court has ruled against him.
Whelan’s lawyer stated his client has been framed and an acquaintance has provided a flash drive to him that he thought has contained holiday photos, but actually held classified information.