WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian prison and is headed to the USA after Russia agreed to a prisoner exchange.
Griner was traded for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer nicknamed the “Merchant of Death.”
Bout, who is already in Russia, has been described as one of the most prolific arms dealers in the world.
United States of America president Joe Biden announced the completion of the deal earlier today.
Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was imprisoned for 10 months in Russia after being convicted on charges of drug smuggling. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was given a nine-year sentence.
Biden, who spoke with Brittney’s wife Cherelle, said she would be in the USA within 24 hours.
“Brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones — and she should have been there all along,” he said.
“Brittney Griner has shown bravery and resolve over the last nearly 300 days,” USA Basketball tweeted upon Griner’s release. “We look forward to seeing Brittney again when the time is right and wish her the best in the days and weeks ahead.”
Upon her arrival in the United States, she will be transported to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas for a medical evaluation.
Grinder’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, says their team will continue to fight for the freedom of other Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad.
