Brittney Griner Released In Russia & Now In U.S. Custody, Following Prisoner Swap Deal
deadline.comU.S. basketball champion Britney Griner has been released by Russia in a prisoner swap and is now in U.S. custody. The Olympic gold medallist was arrested at Moscow airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony. Griner is reported to have been released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
President Joe Biden posted a Tweet showing him in the presence of Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner, with a message saying they had spoken to the athlete and that she was safe and on her way home.
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.She is safe.She is on a plane.She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT The pair then held a brief news conference at the White House.
Read more on deadline.com