President Biden said Thursday morning that Phoenix Mercury centre and WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian prison colony and is now in U.S. custody in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner, according to senior administration officials, was released from the penal colony within the last 48 hours, brought to Moscow, then flown to the United Arab Emirates, and is currently returning to the United States.
Biden stated at a White House press conference that the exchange had been in the works for two weeks and that he had given the final go-ahead. He said that he had phone contact with Griner. Thursday found Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, at the White House.
Griner, an eight-time WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold winner, was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison on August 4 after authorities seized cannabis oil-filled vape canisters in her luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February. Griner confirmed she had the canisters in her suitcase, but she testified that she had packed them accidently and without criminal intent.
Griner, an eight-time WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold winner, was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison on August 4 after authorities seized cannabis oil-filled vape canisters in her luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February. Griner confirmed she had the canisters in her suitcase, but she testified that she had packed them accidently and without criminal intent.
According to U.S. officials, Bout, 55, a former Soviet Army lieutenant colonel known as the "Merchant of Death," attempted to sell weapons to be used against Americans. The Federal Bureau of Prisons said that he was scheduled for release in August 2029 from a federal prison in Marion, Illinois, where he was serving a 25-year sentence.
In December 2018, Russia imprisoned former Marine and corporate security executive Whelan for 16 years. U.S. officials called Whelan's espionage charges "bogus" and demanded his release with Griner, but it was denied. In an email to the media on Thursday, Whelan's brother, David, stated, "It is very essential to me that it is apparent that we do not envy Ms. Griner her freedom." As I've said before, Brittney and Paul's situations were never connected. One could be released without the other. "As I said in April regarding Trevor (Reed), this is the event we want for our family. Her family will reconnect. Free Brittney. Paul remains hostage."