Russia extends detention of alleged US spy

MOSCOW

Moscow City Court extended on Tuesday detention of the former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, charged with espionage, until March 29, 2020.

The decision was announced to the reporters by Judge Andrey Rasnovsky, following a closed session.

Paul Whelan was detained in Moscow by the Russian Federal Security Service on Dec. 28, 2018, on a charge of espionage, suggesting a punishment of imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Whelan has citizenship of four countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Ireland.