Rep. Haley Stevens Calls For Release of Paul Whelan
WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) sent a letter to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urging immediate action for the release of Paul Whelan, a constituent who was arrested and falsely charged for espionage in Russia in 2018.
“For over two years, my constituent, Paul Whelan, has been imprisoned in Russia despite no credible evidence of wrongdoing. He has been denied basic rights, communication with his family, and proper medical treatment. This has gone on for far too long,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “I will work with everyone and anyone to bring Paul home. That’s why I’m urging National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan t0 do everything in his power to ensure the safe and swift release. I hope that the Biden Administration will prioritize this case.”
In 2019, Congresswoman Stevens led and passed a bipartisan resolution calling on the Russian government to release Paul Whelan. In 2020, Congresswoman Stevens called on then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Sullivan to take action in this case.
Rep. Stevens’ letter to Ambassador Sullivan can be found below.
January 27, 2021
Dear National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan,
I write to urge you to take all appropriate action to secure the release of my constituent Paul Whelan, who has now spent over 2 years unjustly imprisoned in Russia.
In December 2018, Paul Whelan was arrested and falsely charged with espionage. He then spent 15 months in Lefortovo prison under pre-trial detention where he was frequently denied consular access, communication with his family, and proper medical treatment. When he was tried it was behind closed doors and witnesses were barred from presenting evidence in his defense.
Mr. Whelan has been in the IK-17 labor camp in Mordovia since he was sentenced last spring. Here he works six days a week in a poorly heated garment factory. Mr. Whelan continues to claim abusive treatment by the guards at IK-17, including being woken up at regular intervals throughout the night.
I urge you to work with the National Security Council, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Department of Justice, Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Russia to bring Mr. Whelan home. I also understand you have also been in touch with Mr. Whelan’s family and I encourage you to provide them with all appropriate information regarding his return.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to working with you to ensure Paul Whelan’s swift return home.
Sincerely,
Haley M. Stevens
Member of Congress