Ex-US marine jailed in Russia alleges “threats, abuses”

A former US marine imprisoned in Russia on suspicion of spying has complained of "abuses and harassment" and says he is a "victim of political kidnap".

Whelan - a citizen of the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland - has been held under arrest in Russia since late December and is accused of being caught red-handed "carrying out an act of espionage".

The 48-year-old denies the charges and told a court on Friday that he had been subjected to threats and abuse by a security service investigator.

The comments came as his pre-trial custody was extended until 29 August.

Whelan told the court that there was "absolutely no legitimacy" to the case against him, describing it as retaliation for US sanctions.

If found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

He said he had not showered in two weeks was unable to access medical or dental treatment and had been denied access to books and letters sent to him months ago.

"I've been threatened. My personal safety has been threatened. There are abuses and harassment that I am constantly subjected to," he said.

The court hearing on Friday was held behind closed doors but visitors were permitted to attend the opening and the reading of the ruling.

An official at the US embassy in Moscow said Washington was extremely concerned by Whelan's claims.

His lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov said there haven't been threats on his life, just poor arrest conditions and a threat of false conviction.

Whelan is among high-profile detainees mooted for a potential prisoner swap, possibly with Maria Butina who was sentenced to 18 months' jail in the US last month after admitting to one count of conspiracy.

But a high-ranking Russian diplomat on Saturday said swapping Whelan for Butina is "out of the question" and not on the table.