The trial of a former US marine accused of spying has begun behind closed doors in Moscow, 16 months after his arrest. The Russian government says Paul Whelan was caught “red-handed” with state secrets.

But the US ambassador to Moscow called the case a “mockery of justice” and described Mr Whelan’s treatment as a very serious impediment to improving bilateral relations. The American could be facing up to 20 years in prison.

He also has UK, Irish and Canadian citizenship. FSB security officers burst into Paul Whelan’s room at a central Moscow hotel in December 2018. He was detained with a USB flash drive which the FSB says contained secret information.Mr Whelan, who has visited Russia many times, has previously told the BBC that an old friend had turned up at his room uninvited and planted the drive.(BBC)…[+]