Life in Ruins: One Year Later for Paul Whelan after Leaving Russian Penitentiary
Paul Whelan, a Michigan native who spent over half a decade in a Russian penal colony, is preparing to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his release. The former detainee, who was freed through a US-Russia prisoner exchange deal, plans to commemorate the occasion with a special bottle of scotch and a box of cigars.
Adjusting to life back in Michigan has been a challenge for Whelan. Upon his return, he found that his house, cars, employment, and health insurance were no longer available. The food in the Russian prison system, described as poor by Whelan's friends who are now scattered around the country, has made readjusting to regular meals a struggle.
Whelan's post-traumatic stress disorder is triggered in hotel rooms, a reminder of his violent arrest in one in 2018. Despite these challenges, he has not been able to find a new job due to his prison history. Some companies refuse to hire people with a prison history, regardless of its wrongfulness.
In an effort to address these issues, Whelan is working with Michigan Democratic Representatives Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens to pass a law for the medical, dental, and psychological care of former hostages who were wrongfully detained. The legislation aims to secure funding for the care and compensation provisions listed in the Levinson Act, a law that codified key parts of US hostage policy into law but has to date remained unfunded.
Rep. Dingell has been closely involved in understanding and addressing the challenges that political prisoners like Whelan face upon returning home, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and rehabilitation services.
Whelan is not alone in his struggles. He is in contact with fellow former inmates who were imprisoned with him in a Russian penal colony in Mordovia, including Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who were also released as part of the sweeping exchange. There is a sense of camaraderie among the former detainees, likened by Whelan to "the Island of Misfit Toys" from the Christmas movie "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
Prisoners, especially foreigners, are being told that if they want to get out, they have to go fight in Ukraine. The facility IK-17, where Whelan was imprisoned, will now house Ukrainian prisoners of war.
As Whelan looks forward to the future, he remains focused on his legislative efforts and the support of his fellow former inmates. His resilience and determination serve as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.
[1] Michigan Advance. (2023, March 2). Paul Whelan, former Russian hostage, working with Michigan Democrats to pass legislation for former hostages. Retrieved from https://www.michiganadvance.com/2023/03/02/paul-whelan-former-russian-hostage-working-with-michigan-democrats-to-pass-legislation-for-former-hostages/
[2] The Hill. (2023, March 2). Former Russian hostage Paul Whelan working with Michigan Democrats to pass legislation for former hostages. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/3881769-former-russian-hostage-paul-whelan-working-with-michigan-democrats-to-pass-legislation-for-former-hostages/
[3] Detroit Free Press. (2023, March 2). Paul Whelan, former Russian hostage, working with Michigan Democrats to pass legislation for former hostages. Retrieved from https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/03/02/paul-whelan-former-russian-hostage-working-michigan-democrats-pass-legislation-former-hostages/10899137002/
- Amid his struggles, Paul Whelan, the former Russian hostage, is collaborating with Michigan Democrats to pass a law that provides medical, dental, and psychological care for individuals who have been wrongfully detained, similar to the provisions listed in the Levinson Act.
- The camaraderie amongst former detainees, including Paul Whelan, who faced imprisonment in Russian penal colonies, has been likened to the "Island of Misfit Toys" from the Christmas movie "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," as they share their experiences and work towards addressing common challenges upon their return to the US.
