NOVI, Mich. (WXYZ) — Paul Whelan, the Novi man who has been locked up in Russia for nearly two years, received emergency hernia surgery Thursday evening.
The surgery was successful, his family said.
Whelan was arrested in a Moscow hotel and charged with being a spy, and on Monday, the prosecution asked for an 18-year sentence.
David Whelan, Paul's twin brother, said 18 years is possibly the worst sentence that could've been requested. Now, his fears and worries are even stronger now.
"It’s at the harsher end of the spectrum and also that he be put in a Russian regimen camp, a labor camp," David said.
Whelan's family is concerned for his health as he recuperates, and said he may be more susceptible to other illnesses or infections, such as COVID-19.
