Moscow court begins hearing case of alleged US spy

A Moscow court on Monday began to hear the case of a US citizen held on espionage charges since 2018, though the proceedings may be delayed because of coronavirus.

A judge at the Moscow City Court extended Paul Whelan’s detention until September 13 during the preliminary hearing.

The next date for the case, which is being heard behind closed doors, is set for March 30 but “it is possible that it will be rescheduled due to the coronavirus”, a court spokeswoman told AFP.

Whelan, who recently turned 50 and also holds Irish, Canadian and British passports, is accused of receiving state secrets and risks up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The former US marine maintains he has been framed and that he took a USB drive from an acquaintance thinking it contained holiday photos.

He has repeatedly complained of mistreatment and argued that the Federal Security Service, which is in charge of the investigation, has no evidence against him.

His family said his health had deteriorated during his detention and that he is not receiving the treatment he needs.

The US, British and Irish ambassadors to Moscow were at the court on Monday, according to US embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross.

“It’s a sad day… to see Paul Whelan held in such circumstances with serious health problems unaddressed, with no evidence to justify his incarceration for over a year,” Ross quoted US Ambassador John Sullivan as saying on Twitter.

Whelan’s brother said last week Paul had made five written and several oral requests to have a family phone call since his arrest but “all were declined”.

“The global pandemic only heightens our worries about Paul’s peril and false imprisonment,” David Whelan said.

Russian courts have suspended many court proceedings over the virus and banned the public from all hearings.