It’s the start of the second year in a Moscow prison for a Michigan man charged with espionage.
Russian security officials arrested Whelan a year ago, accusing him of having classified information,which he says he thought were vacation photos.
Russian courts have extended Whelan’s detention numerous times, though they’ve presented no concrete evidence against him.
During his abbreviated statements at hearings, Whelan has said he’s held in isolation, and not receiving proper medical treatment.
Over the weekend, a spokesperson for the US Embassy wrote on Twitter that there was, “still no evidence…still no phone calls to his family…still no independent medical care. Enough is enough.”
Russian officials have floated the possibility that Whelan could be exchanged in a prisoner swap.