Russian Authorities Preventing Whelan From Getting Real Consular Support - US Embassy

The Russian Investigative Committee effectively prevents Paul Whelan, held in custody in Moscow on suspicion of espionage, from getting a real consular support, the US embassy in Moscow said on Friday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd February, 2019) The Russian Investigative Committee effectively prevents Paul Whelan, held in custody in Moscow on suspicion of espionage, from getting a real consular support, the US embassy in Moscow said on Friday.

"Yesterday, in the framework of regular consular visits, a representative of the consular division of the US embassy in the Russia visited Paul Whelan. We are closely following the process. We are seriously concerned about the delay in allowing Mr. Whelan to sign a permit for the processing of personal data," the embassy said on its Twitter.

According to the embassy, US privacy laws require a consular officer to receive a relevant permission before providing any information about the case to any party.

"And this is a common practice. However, in the case of Mr. Whelan, the Russian Investigative Committee does not allow this to happen. How does his case differ from others? Consular access without the ability to provide any real consular assistance is in fact not the real access," the statement said.

Earlier in the day, Moscow's Lefortovo Court ruled to prolong Whelan's detention until May 28.