American Paul Whelan Feels Targeted and Abandoned in Russian Prison

Paul Whelan, an American citizen wrongfully detained in Russia for five years, claims he is being targeted by an official at a remote prison camp in Mordovia. Whelan alleges that the official orchestrated an assault on him and is now encouraging other prisoners to provoke fights with him. He also stated that prisoners demanded protection money from him. Whelan fears for his safety and has reached out to human rights representatives and the US Embassy for assistance. The State Department has renewed calls for Russia to release Whelan and other American detainees.