The Moscow City Court read out the conviction of Paul Whelan on charges of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum security prison. He described Whelan's conviction as "a mockery of justice" and demanded his immediate release. Pompeo said "the United States is outraged" by Whelan's conviction "after a secret trial, with secret evidence, and without appropriate allowances for defence witnesses." Whelan denies the charges of spying for the U.S. that his lawyers said stem from a sting operation. Whelan has publicly complained of poor prison conditions in Russia and has said his life is in danger.

Source: CBC News June 15, 2020 10:16 UTC