US 'deeply concerned' about detainee Paul Whelan in Russia

WASHINGTON - The United States is “deeply concerned” about

American detainee Paul Whelan in Russia

and has not been able to get information on his whereabouts or condition from Moscow, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

Mr Kirby addressed the issue after Mr Whelan’s family said this week that they had not heard from Mr Whelan, a former Marine, since Nov 23, but had seen reports he had been moved to the prison hospital.

“We have been trying to get more information about Mr Whelan’s condition and his whereabouts. And as we speak this morning, regrettably, we do not have an update specifically about where he is or what condition he’s in,” Mr Kirby told reporters, in a telephone briefing.

“That deeply concerns us and we certainly share the anxiety and the concern of the land and family,” Mr Kirby added.

“We are deeply concerned about the lack of information and the lack of contact from Paul, and we’re working on it as hard as we can through the diplomatic channels.” REUTERS