Russian Court Sentences U.S. Citizen To 16 Years In Prison For Spying

Paul Whalen was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison for espionage. Arrested in December 2018, he was accused of possessing a flash drive with state secrets, which he claimed contained vacation photos. Whalen, a corporate security executive, was in Russia for a wedding. During the trial, he protested the proceedings as unjust. The US ambassador condemned the verdict, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded his release. Whalen's lawyer plans to appeal.

What did Whelan's lawyer claim about the flash drive?

What did Whelan hold up during the trial?

How did John Sullivan, the US ambassador to Russia, describe the proceedings?

What was Paul Whelan sentenced for?

What was the reaction of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding Whelan's treatment?