American basketball player Brittney Griner was found guilty on charges of drug trafficking and received 9 years in prison. The verdict is supposed to kick off talks between the US and Russia on a prisoner swap.
Recently, there was talk that the Americans were offering Viktor Bout, convicted of espionage and arms trafficking, to Russia in order to get the athlete back. Even US President Joe Biden intervened in the campaign for her return with a post on social networks.
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“Today, American citizen Brittney Greiner received a sentence, which is yet another proof of the world we live in. Russia wrongfully detained Britney. This is completely unacceptable and I want to call on Russia to release her immediately so that she can return here to her wife, her friends and her teammates. My administration will work non-stop in its effort to bring Britney and Paul Whelan home as quickly as possible,” Biden’s statement read.
So far, high-ranking Russian officials have refused to comment on the offer, saying that until there is a verdict, no comments should be made.
We recall that Griner was caught with hashish oil in her luggage in February while trying to leave Russia.
BREAKING: Pres. Biden on Brittney Griner’s sentence in Russian drug trial: “Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.” https://t.co/sloL1ViXWs pic.twitter.com/hCZ6eoa83N
— ABC News (@ABC) August 4, 2022
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