Paul Whelan, Constituent of Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11), Released After More than Five Years of Wrongful Detention in Russia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Paul Whelan, along with Americans Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and U.S. green card holder, Vladimir Kara-Murza, were released from wrongful detention in Russia. 

Whelan, a security executive from Novi, MI, was sentenced to 16 years in prison on false charges of espionage. He has been detained for more than 2,000 days. 

 “Paul Whelan is on his way home, thank God. Paul’s liberty was unjustly taken from him for more than five years,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “He lost his job, his dog, and his home; now he has the opportunity to regain his life. Thank you to President Biden, the Whelan family, and my colleagues in Congress for the tireless work and advocacy that made this remarkable moment possible.”

 As co-chair of the Congressional Hostage Task Force, Rep. Haley Stevens led the passage of a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives calling for the release of Paul Whelan for the last three Congresses. The resolution passed in the 116th, the 117th, and 118th Congresses.

 Throughout Whelan’s detention, Rep. Stevens has remained in contact with Whelan and worked with his family to advocate for his release. 

 In December 2023, Rep. Stevens’ legislation, the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act, which proclaimed March 9th as an annual observance of Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day with a purpose-designed flag to be flown in honor of hostages, was adopted as part of the NDAA. The NDAA also included the Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act, which provides families of hostages travel cost assistance so they can travel to Washington to advocate for their loved ones. 

Additionally, the Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act includes a provision that encourages the federal government to provide physical health and mental health resources that may be used by the released individual and their family members. This provision is aimed at ensuring we are prepared to offer the support needed upon their return and recognize the journey they face as they readjust to civilian life. 

 While thankful for Whelan’s release, Rep. Stevens will continue to push for the release of all Americans wrongfully held abroad. 

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