Brittney Griner Released From Russian Prison in Prisoner Swap: Details
usmagazine.comBrittney Griner is coming home. The WNBA star, 31, has been released from a Russian penal colony, President Joe Biden confirmed.“Moments ago, I spoke to Brittney Griner,” Biden, 80, tweeted on Thursday, December 8, alongside photos of himself with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, and Vice President Kamala Harris in the Oval Office. “She is safe.
She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” he added.The Biden administration negotiated the athlete’s release in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.In a press conference later on Thursday, the president said that he never stopped “pushing” for Griner’s freedom. “This is a day we’ve work towards for a long time,” Biden told reporters. “It took intense negotiations and I want to thank all the hardworking public servants across my administration who worked tirelessly to secure her release.”Griner’s exchange took place in the United Arab Emirates, who the head of state also thanked. “These past few months have been hell for Brittney and Cherelle,” Biden continued. “People all across the country have learned about Brittney’s story and advocated for her release and stood with her throughout this terrible ordeal, and I know that support meant a lot to her family.
I’m glad to be able to say that Brittney is in good spirits and relieved to finally be heading home.”Tune in as I deliver an important announcement.
https://t.co/2BVdSsmIFA— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022Biden added: “[Brittney] represents the best about America.
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