Resources for families of hostages and wrongfully detained Americans
After Paul Whelan was arrested on false charges in Moscow on December 28, 2018, his family members had to learn how to handle media and navigate the US government in DC while they advocated for the US to negotiate for Paul's release from prison in Russia; jobs for which they were completely unprepared when Paul was detained. As a result of their experiences, his family wrote the following guides which might help you in your own journey to get help and bring your loved one home. Our situation, decisions, and options may not be the same as yours, but this will give you a starting point.
Unfortunately, wrongful detention is still being used as a tool of coercion against the US, and American citizens are still being used as pawns in 'hostage-diplomacy'. Please know that you are not alone. There are others who have gone down this path before you and are experiencing similar situations now. There is help available.
We have also included links to very helpful organizations for hostages, the wrongfully detained, and their families and friends. And do reach out to us (you can contact Elizabeth Whelan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have any questions.