Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter released the following statement about the freeing of Novi resident Paul Whelan from imprisonment in Russia:

“Five years of anguish for Paul Whelan, his family and friends thankfully ends today. His release by the Russian government is long overdue and I’m so grateful for the efforts of President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and his loved ones who never stopped fighting to bring Paul home. Paul, your Novi and Oakland County family can’t wait to welcome you home.”