Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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The Russian government said on Wednesday it has allowed an American citizen held on espionage charges to have access to U.S. officials seeking answers about his arrest. U.S. consular officials were granted access to Michigan resident Paul Whelan for the first time since his arrest during a visit to the country, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman quoted by the state news agency Tass. Mr. Whelan, head of global security for a Michigan-based auto parts supplier, was arrested on Friday. Announcing the arrest three days later, the Russian Federal Security Service said Mr. Whelan was caught “during an espionage operation,” but gave no details. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier on Wednesday, while in Brazil, that “if the detention is not appropriate, we will demand his immediate return.” He added that the Trump administration had “made clear to the Russians our expectation that we will learn more about the charges and come to understand what it is he’s been accused of.” Mr. Whelan, 48, a former Marine, was in Moscow to attend a wedding when he disappeared, his brother, David Whelan, said on Tuesday. “We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being,” his family said in a statement.
