Internet slams Joe Biden after imprisoned ex-Marine Paul Whelan issues plea to POTUS for help from Russia

WASHINGTON, DC: In a desperate plea from behind bars in Russia, Paul Whelan, a 53-year-old former Marine, reached out to a reporter at CBS affiliate WTOP-TV in Washington, DC, on Sunday, December 24. 

"I feel alone. I feel that I've been left behind," conveyed Paul, directly appealing to President Joe Biden following the release of two other Americans—Marine veteran Trevor Reed and WNBA star Brittney Griner—from Russian detainment in 2022.

The ex-Marine added, "Biden is the guy that made the decision to leave me behind twice. He's the man that can bring me home." 

Last week, Paul spoke to the BBC, describing his situation as "a serious betrayal." 

Paul Whelan was convicted of espionage by Russia in 2020

Paul, a Michigan native, was initially detained by Russian authorities in December 2018 while attending a friend's wedding and later convicted of espionage in 2020, receiving a 16-year sentence of hard labor.

Both he and the US government vehemently deny the charges, considering them "baseless."

"Mr President, you promised to bring me home," appealed Paul appealed to WTOP, adding, "I'm still here. There has to be more that you can do to secure my release."

The ex-Marine remains incarcerated in a penal colony in the remote Russian province of Mordovia, located 350 miles east of Moscow. In November, he survived an attack by a fellow prisoner, although not seriously injured, as reported by his brother, David Whelan, to CBS News via email.

Growing concerns over another American detainee

Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter, is another American currently detained in Russia and has been held for nearly nine months in pre-trial detention on espionage charges.

Paul and his family expressed concern that he could be left behind as the US sought the release of Gershkovich, who is also designated as wrongfully detained.

"I have been told that I won't be left behind, and I have been told that although Evan's case is a priority, mine is also a priority, and people are cognizant of the fact that this is having an extremely negative impact on me and my family," told the ex-Marine to CNN in May. 

His brother, David, in an email to CBS News in June, expressed worry about Paul's "morale and his ability to survive" until the end of his prison sentence, highlighting the emotional toll exacerbated by the recent loss of the family's beloved golden retriever, Flora.

He noted, "It is another hard blow for him to have to absorb, another part of his life stolen from him by the Kremlin, which has already taken his job, his home, and his freedom." 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured reporters last week, "We're very actively working on it, and we'll leave no stone unturned to see if we can't find the right way to get them home and to get them home as soon as possible."

Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized in a statement to CBS News on Monday, December 25, that "there is no higher priority for President Biden than bringing home the Americans still wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad, including Paul Whelan."

The spokesperson revealed that the US has made "significant offers" to Russia for Paul and Gershkovich, one of which was rejected in early December.

"We also continue our conversations with third-party countries as we work to find a way to secure their release," noted Watson.

Internet rages as Paul Whelan appeals for his release

Soon after Paul's plea reached the internet, netizens started to slam Biden and his administration for failing to bring the ex-Marine home. 

One wrote, "Unfortunately he doesn’t check enough boxes for this administration," while another added, "Biden will give up literally anything if he thinks he can pander to his slipping base."

"Ya because he doesn’t know how to negotiate," remarked a person, while someone else quipped, "Joe Biden can't find his own way home!" 

A possible Trump supporter remarked, "He’s the guy locking up his political opponent so good luck with that!" 

"Sadly. Biden doesn’t care. He has the whole world upside down and no one cares ! Praying for you and your family," noted one more. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.