Americans Freed in Russia Prisoner Swap Reunite with Families
On December 30, 2019, three Americans who were imprisoned in Russia for various charges were released as part of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia. The exchange also saw the release of two Russian nationals who were convicted of espionage in the US. After spending years behind bars in a foreign country, these Americans were finally able to return home and reunite with their families.
The three Americans, Paul Whelan, Trevor Reed, and Michael Calvey, were all arrested for different reasons but shared the experience of being held captive in a foreign prison. Whelan, a former US Marine, was arrested in a Moscow hotel in December 2018 and charged with espionage. Reed, a 29-year-old student, was arrested in August 2019 after being accused of assaulting police officers while drunk. Calvey, a US citizen and prominent investor, was arrested in February 2019 on embezzlement charges.
Their release was the result of months of negotiations between the US and Russian governments. It was a moment of relief and joy for the families of these prisoners who had been anxiously waiting for their loved ones to come home. The reunion between the freed Americans and their families was emotional and heartwarming.
Source: BBC
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