Giavanna Torchio ‘25
Brittney Griner, American basketball player, and Olympic gold medalist who plays center for the Phoenix Mercury was recently involved in a prisoner swap with Victor Bout, a notorious convicted Russian arms dealer, known as the “merchant of death.”
The basketball star was arrested on Febuary 17. While returning to Russia to finish her overseas season, she was allegedly found with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. She was detained with charges of drug possesion, and in August she was sentenced with 9 years in a Russian prison. Brittney, who turned 32 in custody, spent 10 months in Russian inprisonment while her release was being negotiated by Joe Biden’s administration. The negotiation for a prisoner swap stretched for months, while also pushing to have Paul Whelan included in the trade. Whelan was a former United States Marine who was arrested in Russia in 2018 for allegedly spying and received a 16 year sentence there. However, the addition of Mr. Whelan in the deal was refused.
As it was made clear Mr. Whelan would not be included in the trade, President Biden decided to move forward with the one for one trade, Griner for Bout. Victor Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 during a sting operation, and was extradited to the U.S. in 2010. He was convicted on terrorism charges, specifically for conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, delivery of anti-aircraft missiles, and providing aid to a terrorist organization. Victor was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
After 10 long months, on December 8, 2022, Griner was released from detainment. Bout was also released and the two were traded. Griner landed in the U.S. on December 9. She recently posted on Instagram, speaking for the first time since her release, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.” She also mentions that she intends to play for the Phoenix Mercurys this season.
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