Hundreds of Prisoners in Russia, Including Americans, Were Left Behind in Swap
On December 29, 2019, a landmark prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine took place, with each country releasing 35 prisoners to the other. This exchange was seen as a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. However, what went largely unnoticed was the fact that hundreds of prisoners, including Americans, were left behind in this swap.
According to human rights organizations, there are currently around 100 political prisoners being held in Russia, many of whom have been detained on trumped-up charges or without due process. These individuals have been subjected to inhumane treatment and denied basic rights while imprisoned. In addition to these political prisoners, there are also American citizens who have been detained in Russia on various charges.
This begs the question – why were these prisoners left behind in the swap? Was it a deliberate decision by the Russian government to use them as bargaining chips in future negotiations, or was it simply an oversight? Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that these prisoners are still languishing in Russian prisons, and their plight needs to be addressed.
The Case of Paul Whelan
One of the most high-profile American prisoners in Russia is former Marine, Paul Whelan. He was arrested in December 2018 on charges of espionage.
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Source: NewYorkTimes
