was released by WNBA player Brittany Griner Russian officials Thursday morning After spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison following a February arrest for bringing vape cartridges containing hashish oil through a Moscow airport.
Griner was released on Thursday in exchange from a Russian penal colony Russian arms dealer Victor Bout,
Convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout walks past a temporary cell before a hearing at the Criminal Court in Bangkok August 20, 2010.
(Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images)
Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death”, was serving a 25-year sentence in a US prison after pleading guilty in 2011 to conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiracy to deliver anti-aircraft missiles and aiding a terrorist organisation. .
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While Griner was released, another US citizen remains in Russia – former US Marine Paul Whelan.
Whalen was sentenced in 2020 16 years in a Russian prison on charges of alleged espionage.
His absence from the deal did not go unnoticed.
Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who was arrested on charges of alleged espionage, arrives at a sentencing hearing in a courtroom of the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, June 15, 2020.
(Sofia Sandersskaya, Moscow News Agency Photo via AP, File)
Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parson reacted to the news that Whalen was left behind, as did WFAN radio host Boomer Esiason,
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Russian state television, notorious for propaganda, discussed the exchange, mocking the United States for swapping Griner instead of Whelan.
A program moderator referred to Whelan as a “spy”, saying that Whelan is a hero to Americans. However, the moderator made three points against Whelan, stating that the US had secured his release.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittany Griner is led from the courtroom after a hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia, Aug. 4, 2022.
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
“His first problem is that he is white,” the moderator said, according to a translation obtained by Fox News Digital. “His second problem is that he is a man. His third problem: He is heterosexual.
“It’s not something that can be forgiven today. It’s just a disaster. Yes, here Griner outshines him in every aspect.”
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The moderator falsely claims that “American voters” were given a choice between Griner and Whelan in exchange for the “Merchant of Death”, when in fact it was the Biden administration that made the decision.
The moderator said it was a victory for Russia that America chose a celebrity over a former Marine, as it shows what the United States values.
Following Griner’s release, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement saying that the Biden administration would continue to work to bring Whelan home.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittany Griner listens to a court verdict in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia, Aug. 4, 2022.
(Pool photo via Evgenia Novogenina/AP)
“I am thankful State Department team and to our allies in government who worked tirelessly to secure her release,” the statement said. “I especially appreciate Roger Carstens, the President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who accompanied Brittany to the United States Coming back, as well as his entire team. We also extend our deep appreciation to the many partners who helped achieve this result, including our Emirati friends who assisted with the transfer today.
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“While we celebrate Britney’s release, Paul Whelan and his family are suffering needlessly. Despite our continued efforts, the Russian government is not yet ready to end his wrongful detention. I wish we could bring Paul home.” On the same plane with Britney today. Nevertheless, we will not back down in our efforts to end Paul and all other American citizens held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. ,
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Nick Cullman contributed to this report