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 imprisonment.

Reflections on Detention

Whelan and fellow former 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 imprisoned, while Kurmasheva has been raising awareness about journalists detained around the world.

Whelan has also been navigating the challenges of re-adjusting to life in the United States, including finding employment and accessing healthcare. He has been working with lawmakers to pass legislation that would provide compensation to former detainees using frozen assets from countries that detain Americans.

Supporting Detainees

Kurmasheva has been sending cards to imprisoned journalists in Russia and working to raise awareness about the plight of detained journalists worldwide. Both Whelan and Kurmasheva have expressed their gratitude for the support they received while in detention, including letters and cards from well-wishers.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.