After more than nine months in a Russian prison, American basketball start Brittney Griner is on her way home. This was possible thanks to the agreement reached between Russia and USA on the swap of prisoners, as informed by BBC.
Griner, who was arrested in Moscow for having marijuana oil on the 17th of February, 2022, was swapped for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who spent more than 12 years in a US prison.
US authorities accuse Bout, who is often called the «Merchant of Death», of selling arms to warlords and corrupt governments. This made him one of the most wanted men in the world.
US President Joe Biden wrote on Twitter that Griner is safe and on her way home.
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
BBC reports the prisoner swap took place at the Abu Dhabi airport in the United Arab Emirates.