As WNBA player Brittney Griner makes her way back to the United States, retired Marine Paul Whelan’s family spoke out about their “public disappointment.”
Whelan, who was convicted on dubious charges in Russia, has been imprisoned for the last four years. His family was warned in advance about the news Griner would be returning home instead of their own loved one. In response, Whelan’s brother, David Whelan, released a statement on the prisoner swap.
Here, in full, is a statement from David Whelan, brother of American Paul Whelan. Paul has been jailed in Russia for nearly four years and was not part of the Griner-for-Bout prisoner swap. Please read. pic.twitter.com/wzTQjslVN2
— Arden Farhi (@ArdenFarhi) December 8, 2022
“I am so glad that Brittney Griner is on her way home. As a family member of a Russian hostage, I can literally only imagine the joy she will have, being reunited with her loved ones, and in time for the holiday,” the statement reads. “The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, and to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn’t going to happen.”
But despite believing the swap was the right call, the Whelan family is still suffering the loneliness of having a family member imprisoned overseas on a questionable conviction.
“This time, US government officials let us know that Paul would be left behind [12/7/22], unlike last April when they left him. That early warning meant that our family has been able to mentally prepare for what is now a public disappointment for us. And a catastrophe for Paul. I do not know if he is aware yet, although he will certainly learn from Russian media,” the impassioned letter continues.
Whelan’s brother went on to express his disappointment that the government continues to act on behalf of everyone except the retired Marine who gave so much to serve his country, and many on social media feel the same way:
I’m so sorry for Paul Whelan’s family. This statement shows so much grace! Praying for his release
— Elizabeth Flores (@sleflores1) December 8, 2022
Heartbreaking
— Sausel (@Sausel2) December 8, 2022
This guy, too.https://t.co/rMcmQxAqHj
— The Only Gary Johnson Stan (@colorblindk1d) December 8, 2022
I was just thinking that there was probably an overload of prayers delivered for Paul Whelan this morning.
I hope knowing how many people care brings a small measure of comfort to his family.— Susan Wilson HO HO HO (@stevesgirl56) December 8, 2022
Republished with permission from American Wire News Service
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.
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