MOSCOW. Sept 17 (Interfax) - Paul Whelan, a citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland accused of spying in Russia, has urged these countries to intervene in his prosecution and described his trial as one conducted by "a kangaroo court."
"The kangaroo court is back in session. I am not a spy, I have not had access to government secrets, my work has never included defense department interactions," Whelan said at the court on Tuesday, adding that his prosecution was "an absurd provocation."
He addressed "the leaders and governments in Ottawa, Dublin, London and Washington, as well as the United Nations, to intervene."
Whelan additionally addressed his family to say "I love them and appreciate their support. They know that this is garbage, the whole accusation is garbage."
"If you look at the facts of this case, you will see that it makes no sense at all, it's ridiculous, absolute nonsense," he said.