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Brittney Griner Is Headed Home After 10 Months In Russian Detention

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2022

The White House announced Brittney Griner’s release in a news conference Thursday morning. President Joe Biden and his administration negotiated a prisoner trade, exchanging the WNBA star for alleged arms dealer, Viktor Bout — a decision drawing mixed reviews.

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

Sending love to Brittney Griner's family, friends, and all those who advocated for her safe return. This is because you never gave up. https://t.co/acjz5J01oF
— National Women's Law Center (@nwlc) December 8, 2022

Tweets by WNBA

One of the critics of Biden’s decision was Derek Maltz, a retired DEA official involved in the Viktor Bout investigation.

Another blow to the rule of law. Total disgrace and all Americans should be very careful traveling around the world. This decision has put Americans at a huge risk.👎👎👎👎
— Derek Maltz Sr (@derekmaltz_sr) December 8, 2022

On social media questions swirled about the choice to bring Griner home instead of Marine Paul Whelan who has been in Russian custody for almost four years. His family says they had been warned of Griner’s release.

Meet Brittney Griner & Marine Paul Whelan.
Both Americans.
Both were convicted in Russian courts on dubious charges.
Both serving multi-year sentences in Russian prison.
Brittney hates America
Paul served America

Guess which one Biden traded a terrorist to free?

Semper fi Paul pic.twitter.com/tuP1R6AZpf
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 8, 2022