US Envoy Visits Wrongfully Detained American in Russian Prison

US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited Paul Whelan in prison in Mordovia, Russia where he has been detained for over 4 years.
Whelan, a former US marine, was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges that both he and the US government deny.
Whelan's conditions in prison are extremely poor according to reports.
The US government continues to call for Whelan's release and considers him "wrongfully detained."
US officials say they are working to secure the release of both Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who is also detained in Russia.