Brittney Griner Freed From Russian Custody in Prisoner Swap

What’s the story? 

• American basketball star Brittney Griner was released from Russian custody after nearly 10 months of imprisonment. Griner was freed as part of a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.”
• President Biden announced Griner’s freedom Thursday morning from the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Biden confirmed that Griner is safe and in good spirits. He continued: 

“Brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones — and she should have been there all along.”

• Biden was with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, in the Oval Office this morning, awaiting the WNBA players’ arrival. 

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

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022

Why was Griner imprisoned?

• Griner was serving a nine-year sentence after being stopped at an airport near Moscow with two medicinal vape cartridges containing hash oil in her luggage. A Russian judge found her guilty of smuggling illegal drugs into the country. 
• The U.S. has stated that Griner should never have been detained and was held by Russia as a bargaining chip. Biden said the sentence was unacceptable and vowed to pursue all options to bring Griner home. 
• In August, Griner’s lawyers reported that she had been brought to the IK-2 female penal colony — the notorious labor camps where millions have lost their lives. Penal colonies are known for being brutal, overcrowded, and governed by harsh prison officials. 
• Griner's case has received international attention as she had been "wrongfully detained" a week after Russia invaded Ukraine. Additionally, grassroots organizations fighting for Black and  LGBTQ+ individuals, and marijuana justice reform, have worked tirelessly to bring Griner home. 

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: Flickr/CWEB News)