“We must stand up and make clear that American citizens will not be used as political pawns for other countries,” Stevens said. “Period, end of story.”

"The fact remains that Paul is being held on false charges," Stevens said.

Paul Whelan is still in a Russian prison, but he was able to make a call to a CNN reporter, in which he begged for help to secure his freedom.

Paul Whelan, a former US Marine accused of spying in Russia, appears in the dock at a court in Moscow (AP)Canada launched a Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations on Monday. The declaration aims to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention. Arbitrary detention is when someone is arrested or detained but there is no likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime -- or there hasn’t been a proper due process of law. Canada launched the declaration with an aim ‘to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention,’ among others. David WhelanREAD: Michigan family expects Paul Whelan to remain behind bars in Russia for at least another year

Canada launched a Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations on Monday. The declaration aims to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention. Arbitrary detention is when someone is arrested or detained but there is no likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime -- or there hasn’t been proper due process of law. Now we must turn our attention to finding constructive ways to build and sustain international momentum to put an end to arbitrary detention. Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign AffairsREAD: Vigorous preparation returns as Biden calls other leadersView the list of states endorsing the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations.