Basketball star Brittney Griner questioned in Khimki metropolis courtroom, RussiaGetty
The participant was sentenced to 9 years in jail after Russian authorities discovered hashish oil throughout a February search at Moscow airport.
The United States and Russia have confirmed on Thursday the change of prisoners for which the American skilled basketball participant Brittney Griner, imprisoned in Russia on drug trafficking costs, and Viktor Bout, to date in a United States jail for arms trafficking They have returned to their respective international locations. The participant was sentenced to 9 years in jail after Russian authorities discovered hashish oil throughout a February search at Moscow airport.
Bout’s launch has been confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry to the TASS company.
“As a results of the efforts made, it was attainable to agree with the American aspect on the group of the change of Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner. The Russian citizen has been returned to his homeland,” based on the diplomatic division.
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has confirmed that Griner is “protected” and again in his nation after spending “insupportable circumstances” within the Russian jail. “It is a day that now we have been ready for a very long time, after arduous negotiations and I wish to thank the Administration for its tireless work,” he assured at a press convention.
The participant “is in good well being, however has misplaced months of life in pointless trauma,” based on the president, who has praised the “dignity” displayed by the athlete in the course of the trial. “She by no means requested me for particular therapy, simply to not be forgotten about her,” mentioned Biden, who additionally addressed just a few phrases to the household of former US Marine Paul Whelan, additionally imprisoned in Russia for espionage. “We haven’t forgotten Paul Whelan, unjustly detained in Russia for years. We should not going to surrender, we by no means will, and we’ll proceed to barter in good religion,” mentioned the president, who has requested the Russian authorities to ” assure their well being” throughout their keep in jail.