From Prison to Uncertainty: Paul Whelan’s Struggle for Normalcy One Year After His Release from Russia | CNN Politics

Paul Whelan’s return to the United States after over five years in a Russian prison has been a mix of relief and difficulty. As he approaches the one-year mark since his release due to a prisoner swap, he reflects on the challenges of starting over.

“You’re literally starting over,” Whelan shared. Many people may not realize what it means to leave behind a life they once knew. His home, car, and job are gone. “Even my health insurance is gone,” he remarked.

Whelan also deals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often flares up in hotel rooms—a painful reminder of the violent arrest that led to his imprisonment. He had traveled to Moscow for a friend’s wedding in 2018 when he was taken for espionage charges, launching his long and harrowing ordeal.

Adjusting to life back in Michigan has its own set of hurdles. He noticed new seasonal allergies that developed during his time away, making his return even more challenging. “Driving down the same streets or visiting the park was tough at first,” he said, especially after losing his dog while in custody.

Finding work has been another significant roadblock. Many companies are hesitant to hire those with a prison history, even if it was wrongful. “They don’t know how to handle this situation,” Whelan explained.

Despite these challenges, Whelan remains active in advocating for other former detainees. He collaborates with Michigan lawmakers, like Representatives Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens, to create a law for funding medical and psychological care for victims of wrongful detention, which is outlined in the Levinson Act.

The Levinson Act represents a significant shift in U.S. hostage policy, establishing a framework for dealing with wrongful detentions. “We need to make sure former hostages receive the health care they need to recover,” said Dingell’s deputy, Michaela Johnson.

Whelan stays connected with his former co-detainees, sharing their stories and the challenges they still face. One former inmate described the conditions in Russian prisons as increasingly dire, with guards overwhelmed and food quality declining sharply amid Russia’s economic struggles.

“Some prisoners are being pressured to fight in Ukraine in exchange for their freedom,” Whelan reported, emphasizing the grave situation many still endure.

The sense of camaraderie among the former detainees offers some comfort. Whelan likened it to “the Island of Misfit Toys,” highlighting the bond they share despite coming from different backgrounds.

As he marks his one-year anniversary of freedom, Whelan plans to celebrate with a special bottle of scotch and a few cigars, a quiet nod to resilience amid ongoing challenges.

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