The trial in
Moscow of ex-US marine Paul Whelan on espionage charges is set to conclude Monday, ending a court proceeding that has strained ties with
Washington and fuelled speculation of a prisoner exchange.
Whelan, 50, who also holds
Irish, Canadian and
British citizenship, was detained in Moscow in December 2018 for allegedly receiving state secrets.
"In a just system, the court would acquit Paul based on the lack of evidence," Whelan's brother David said in a statement ahead of the hearing.