American Paul Whelan Assaulted in Russian Prison

Whelan, considered wrongfully detained by the U.S., reports assault to prison authorities and seeks to press charges.

Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia, was assaulted by a fellow prisoner at his remote labor camp in Mordovia.
Whelan was working in a factory at the camp when the other prisoner struck him in the face and then tried to strike him again.
Whelan reported the incident to the deputy warden and is seeking to press charges for the assault.
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the incident and called on Russia to ensure Whelan's safety.
Whelan has been designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department and has been imprisoned in Russia for almost five years.