A new update on the possible prisoner swap exchange involving Brittney Griner and the ‘Merchant of Death’ has been released
Brittney Griner’s incarceration was once again extended until July 2nd. Russian officials had extended her incarceration for the third time.
Russia Wants Prisoner “Merchant Of Death” Swap Exchange To Release Brittney Griner
Griner was detained in a Moscow airport in February for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis-derived oils. If she is convicted, she could face a sentence of up to ten years in prison.
Last month, there was talk of Griner returning to the United States, but only if she was traded for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout in a prisoner swap with Russia. Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to kill Americans in connection with the funding of a terrorist organisation.
Because of his renown for flying a fleet of decrepit Soviet-era cargo planes to conflict-ridden regions in Africa, he was dubbed the “Merchant of Death.”
According to the most recent source, Russia does not appear to be in any hurry to send up Griner to the United States as part of a prisoner swap for Bout.
According to Fox News, Russian officials will not consider Brittney Griner for a prisoner swap with the US “until a judicial inquiry into her case is concluded.”
When she was jailed in February, the US State Department ruled that Russia “wrongfully detained” the Phoenix Mercury Center.
“The wellbeing and safety of American citizens abroad is one of the US government’s top objectives,” a State Department official stated. “The Department of State has found that U.S. citizen Brittney Griner was illegally detained by the Russian Federation.”
“With this decision, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens will lead the interagency team charged with securing Brittney Griner’s release.”
Griner was chosen first overall in the 2013 WNBA draught by the Mercury. She went on to have a great nine-year career with the team, averaging 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 254 games.