US Marine Veteran Paul Whelan Assaulted by Fellow Prisoner in Russian Labor Camp

Paul Whelan, a US Marine veteran imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges, was attacked by another inmate at a labor camp, according to his family. The incident occurred when Whelan asked the inmate to move out of the way at a sewing table. The attacker hit Whelan in the face, breaking his glasses, but other prisoners intervened to prevent further harm. Whelan has requested an investigation into the attack and expressed concerns about his safety. The US State Department has expressed concern and called for Whelan's release, urging Russia to ensure the safety and fair treatment of all detained US citizens. Whelan was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison, but both he and the US government deny the charges.