WNBA star Brittany Griner has been freed by Russian authorities after being arrested for possession of cannabis oil earlier this year.
The 32-year-old was involved in a one-for-one prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian international arms dealer who is currently serving a 25-year sentence in the United States of America.
Since her arrest on February 17 at Moscow International Airport, the Phoenix Mercury center has been held in an unknown facility before being transferred to a female penal prison in the Mordova republic.
Griner’s trial began in July, and on August 4, she pleaded guilty to charges of narcotics smuggling and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
The two-time Olympic medalist’s arrest became an issue of national and international debate, garnering unprecedented global media coverage, and establishing her status as America’s highest-profile prisoner held abroad.
Following weeks of negotiations that started in Moscow, President Joe Biden recently gave the prisoner exchange arrangement his final approval.
President Biden, in a post via his official social media pages, pictured alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, confirmed the reports of the 8-time WNBA All-Star’s release.
The post read: “Moments ago, I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe.
“She is on a plane. She is on her way home.”
The prisoner swap which took place in the United Arab Emirates earlier today will be followed by a quick medical evaluation when she returns to the US.
After her release, Griner will be prohibited from returning to Russia and will subsequently be deported to the United States, where she will be reunited with her family.
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
