Paul Whelan, a former detainee in Russia, has spent the past two years readjusting to life after his release. Whelan, who was detained for over five years, has been enjoying routine activities like cutting the grass and stargazing, which he was deprived of during his time in detention.

Reflections on Detention

Whelan and fellow detainee Alsu Kurmasheva have been working to help others who are still detained in Russia. Whelan has been sending letters and care packages to those still in prison, while Kurmasheva has been raising awareness about journalists detained around the world.

Whelan and Kurmasheva were part of a group of over a dozen individuals freed from Russia in a prisoner swap two years ago. Since their release, they have been navigating the challenges of readjusting to life, including finding employment and accessing healthcare.

Whelan has been working with lawmakers to pass legislation that would provide compensation to former detainees using frozen assets from countries that detain Americans. He has also been in touch with some of his former fellow prisoners, who have reported poor economic conditions and a lack of jobs in Russia.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.