Episode Summary: "Inside a Russian Prison: Paul Whelan Tells His Story"

Podcast Title: The Chris Cuomo Project
Host: Chris Cuomo
Guest: Paul Whelan
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, award-winning journalist Chris Cuomo sits down with Paul Whelan, an American detained in Russia for over five years. Paul shares his harrowing experiences, the psychological and emotional toll of imprisonment, and the complexities of international diplomacy that led to his release. This in-depth conversation sheds light on the human aspect of geopolitical conflicts and the personal resilience required to endure such ordeals.

Arrest and Detention

The Arrest

Paul Whelan recounts the events leading to his arrest in Russia. Attending a friend’s wedding at the Metropole Hotel near Red Square, Paul and his companions were innocently enjoying their time as tourists when they were abruptly detained by the FSB (Federal Security Service of Russia).

Paul Whelan [04:07]: "We were at the Metropole Hotel, right on Red Square... doing all the safe things in the safe places, being tourists. Right in Red Square, where the Kremlin is... So, you know, we were in a safe place, doing safe things."

Initial Treatment

Upon arrest, the FSB presented Paul with a fabricated identity, claiming he was a Brigadier General and a secret agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Despite recognizing the falsehood, Paul maintained a calm demeanor, understanding the gravity of his situation.

Paul Whelan [05:04]: "The FSB guys that arrested me said I was a Brigadier General and a secret agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency... But that's seriously what they had believed."

Life in Russian Prison

Conditions and Daily Life

Paul describes the deplorable conditions within the Russian prison system. Initially held alone in a 9-square-meter cell at LaFordova Prison, he endured minimal comforts, constant surveillance, and inadequate medical care.

Paul Whelan [08:04]: "You're in a cell, 9 square meters by yourself, you don't really have very many comforts... the lights stay on 24 hours a day, except when they have these power outages."

Psychological Impact

Isolation and fear were constant companions. The lack of language proficiency exacerbated his vulnerability, leading Paul to develop coping mechanisms such as taking refuge under his bed during power outages to protect himself from potential assaults.

Paul Whelan [09:05]: "I had to stay calm when I went to court... I did have the four governments, the four consular officers and ambassadors coming to visit me quite regularly. That wasn't bad for the first year and a half."

Social Dynamics

Transitioning to a labor camp introduced Paul to fellow prisoners from various backgrounds. Despite cultural and social differences, he managed to build rapport and even influence positive changes, such as the arrest of corrupt wardens.

Paul Whelan [16:35]: "I helped and worked with the FSP at the camp to have two wardens and a deputy warden arrested... Because their corruption was so bad that even the FSB said, yeah, this is over the top."

Negotiations and Release

Hostage Diplomacy

Paul explains the complexities of hostage diplomacy, where his detention was part of Russia's strategy to exchange prisoners. Unlike other detainees, his release was contingent upon the return of Dmitry Krasikov, a high-value individual held by Germany.

Paul Whelan [27:10]: "They did take care of me, you know, Roger Carstens, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan... They made it a mission to get me home, and they did. It just took a little while."

The Swap

After five and a half years, Paul was included in a prisoner exchange. The negotiation process was fraught with uncertainty, but ultimately, Paul was released alongside other detainees from various countries.

Paul Whelan [40:40]: "I sat back and I remembered that Ambassador Carstens had told me that Brittany and Trevor had had to do the same thing, write these letters of pardon. And that was soon before they were released... It was experiencing that moment when we realized we were actually going home."

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Comparing Detentions

Paul reflects on the differing durations of detentions, notably comparing his release to that of WNBA star Brittney Griner. While she was released after just ten months, Paul's extended captivity highlighted the inconsistencies in how hostages are treated based on factors like media profile and negotiations.

Paul Whelan [24:47]: "Brittany's stature as a WNBA player helped with media attention... But it was five years, seven months and five days of my life that I can't get back."

Coping Mechanisms

To sustain hope, Paul engaged in daily acts of defiance and resilience, such as singing national anthems loudly despite not speaking Russian. These actions provided psychological strength and a sense of control amidst oppressive circumstances.

Paul Whelan [31:25]: "Every day I got up and I sang quite loudly and quite badly... It was an act of defiance every day."

Challenges Upon Return

Reintegration Difficulties

Returning to the United States presented its own set of challenges. Paul struggled with PTSD, financial instability, and the realization that his former life had significantly changed. Adjusting to everyday freedoms was juxtaposed with the trauma of his ordeal.

Paul Whelan [51:25]: "The best is just having freedom... But the bad part is, there's no social safety net for us. There is no compensation."

Advocacy for Hostages

Determined to prevent future injustices, Paul is actively working with Congress and community leaders to secure better support systems for former hostages. He emphasizes the need for improved aftercare and compensation under the Hostage Recovery Act.

Paul Whelan [55:03]: "I want to write a book... I'm working with Congress to make sure that the aftercare for hostages is better when others come home."

Future Plans and Advocacy

Paul is committed to raising awareness about arbitrary detentions and hostage diplomacy. By leveraging his platform, he aims to influence policy changes that ensure comprehensive support for individuals who have been wrongfully detained abroad.

Paul Whelan [57:27]: "If you could, get the GoFundMe out and let people know... Anytime I can get to, to New York or get to D.C. and speak to Congress people, I'm doing it."

Conclusion

Paul Whelan's interview on The Chris Cuomo Project offers a profound insight into the personal toll of international detentions and the resilience required to survive such experiences. His story underscores the importance of international advocacy and robust support systems for former hostages. Through his ongoing efforts, Paul seeks to ensure that no one else has to endure what he did, while also promoting justice and human rights on a global scale.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Whelan [02:21]: "It's incredible. Being able to get online and do something like this is amazing."

• Paul Whelan [05:51]: "Everyone realized that I wasn't a spy and that I was just being held hostage. And unfortunately, this is the problem of hostage diplomacy."

• Paul Whelan [34:23]: "People around the world are the same. They all want the same thing. They want a nice life... The people like Putin... ruin it for everybody else."

• Paul Whelan [48:50]: "I hate Putin. I can't hate the people for what happened to me... But I hate Putin and the people in charge of the FSB."

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind geopolitical tensions and the unwavering spirit of those who endure unimaginable hardships. Paul Whelan's narrative not only highlights personal courage but also calls for systemic changes to prevent future injustices.