Paul Whelan Reveals Russian Prison ‘Torture’ in First Interview Since Release

Former Marine Paul Whelan describes years of torment in a Russian prison, revealing the brutal treatment he endured while the Russian government tried to pressure the U.S.

Whelan, who was freed in a recent prisoner swap, claims he faced sleep deprivation and constant harassment during his five-year ordeal.

At a glance:

  • Whelan was subjected to sleep deprivation in Russian prisons, which he considers a form of torture.
  • The former Marine spent years in a labor camp, where guards woke him every two hours, contributing to long-term trauma.
  • He expressed frustration at being passed over in past prisoner swaps, watching others, like Brittney Griner, return home sooner.

In his first interview since returning home, former Marine Paul Whelan opened up about the harrowing treatment he suffered during his time in Russian detention. Speaking to CBS’s Face the Nation, Whelan described the torture he endured, including sleep deprivation—often used as a tool to break prisoners’ spirits. Whelan explained how the lights were kept on in his cell 24/7, and guards would wake him every two hours, shining lights in his face and taking photos.

https://x.com/CBSMornings/status/1847247446339908003

The physical and mental toll of this treatment has followed Whelan home, where he struggles to return to a normal sleep pattern. He called his experience “very, very difficult,” particularly as he adjusts to life in the U.S. after being held for five years on charges of espionage—charges he and his family vehemently deny. Whelan maintains he was “set up” and plans to reveal the full story in a book, warning others who travel and work abroad of similar risks.

Whelan expressed a sense of being abandoned when other Americans, such as WNBA star Brittney Griner, were released in prisoner swaps while he remained in captivity. Despite the hardship, he remains committed to telling his story and shedding light on the abuses he faced in Russian prisons.