Paul Whelan, shown here in Iceland, was arrested in Russia on espionage charges. (Courtesy of the Whelan family)The family of an American arrested in Russia on espionage charges said on Tuesday that he is innocent and that they fear for his safety. “It is inconceivable to me that he would have done anything to break the law in Russia,” David Whelan told The Washington Post. By Russian law, foreigners found guilty of spying on Russia face between 10 and 20 years in jail. But the U.S. government shutdown may have hindered this process, said a person familiar with Whelan’s case, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

Source: Washington Post January 01, 2019 14:12 UTC