Griner and Bout freed in US-Russia swap; WNBA star for a Convicted Arms Dealer

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#USA, December 9, 2022 – After 294 days in Russian jail following her arrest and conviction over a canister of medically prescribed cannabis oil, Brittney Yvette Griner has been freed and has already left Russia and headed home.

Russians have agreed to the long-proposed swap for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout; it brings 32-year-old Griner home.

At a press briefing around 8:40am on Thursday joined by Kamala Harris, US Vice President and Cherelle Griner, wife of Brittney, Joe Biden, the President of the United States of America updated the country revealing that Britney had landed in the United Arab Emirates from Russia already and was headed to the US.

“It’s a good morning,” he said. “ Moments ago in the oval office standing with her wife Cherelle.   I spoke to Brittney Griner, she is safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home”

Cherelle said despite her family now being whole she, along with “BG” as she affectionately referred to her wife, would be remaining committed to the work of getting every American home.

While the swap was supposed to be for two Americans, Griner and Paul Whelan, a former marine who has been in Russian prison since 2018, President Biden announced that “for completely illegitimate reasons”, Whelan’s case was being treated differently by Russia.

It has been a long journey for the WNBA Basketball superstar and Olympian who was arrested at a Russian airport on February 17th.

The United States immediately accused Russia of holding her unjustly, because of tensions between the two countries following the invasion of Ukraine.  Russia denied the claims.

Griner, widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of her time, male or female, had travelled to Russia to participate in that country’s basketball league for UMMC Ekaterinburg.  It was later revealed that due to the exceedingly low wages paid by the women’s basketball league in the US, female professional players sought extra earnings opportunities during off season.

Her arrest and detainment received heavy publicity thanks to her teammates, her wife and US media who consistently campaigned for her release.  In a handwritten letter delivered to President Joe Biden from her cell in Russia she said, “…as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.  I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees.  Please do all you can to bring us home.  I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you.  I believe in you.  I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore.”

Soon after, the United States announced the possibility of a prisoner swap.

Weeks after that millions including Magnetic Media representatives watched live as a court representative in rapid fire Russian told Griner her verdict.   A member of her legal team leaned his head against the bars separating them and quietly translated out of earshot of the press.

She stood up and was led away without emotion as reporters shouted questions at her.  It was only minutes later when the translation came that the world realized she had been sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.

Now she is out, freed and home. Biden described her as an incomparable athlete who represented “the best of America.”

Naturally, it is not without controversy as many are now offering that the blood of many more Ukrainians will be spilled due to the deal.  Some citing that it was pathetic to leave an ex-marine in Russia’s hands, with yet more calling the moment a show of weakness.