Brittney Griner in U.S. Custody After Successful Prisoner Swap

Brittney Griner is FREE!

The WNBA star has been released from Russia detention after a successful prisoner swap exchanging the former champ for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to multiple reports.

BREAKING: Brittney Griner has been freed in a prisoner-swap and is now in U.S. custody. pic.twitter.com/zZlIxNYAEo

— WSLAM (@wslam) December 8, 2022

Griner is now in U.S. custody and will undergo a medical evaluation in the United Arab Emirates. President Joe Biden is expected to hold a press conference at 8:30 in the morning, per the White House. Fromer marine and fellow American Paul Whelan was not included in the prisoner swap. He’s been in Russian custody for alleged espionage.

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

Griner’s release comes a few months after she was convicted of drug possession and smuggling in August. The controversial ordeal began in February after Russian authorities discovered and arrested her for possessing a vape cartridge containing hashish oil, a.k.a marijuana. After her conviction was upheld, Griner spent time in a harsh Russian penal colony.

The post Brittney Griner in U.S. Custody After Successful Prisoner Swap appeared first on SLAM.

from SLAM https://ift.tt/4iJbudh
via IFTTT