Brittney Griner, WNBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist, has been freed from Russian prison after almost 10 months of captivity. The White House and United States officials have been in negotiations with Russian officials for months, in attempt to get Brittney Griner released. They came to an ageement to release Griner in exchange for Viktour Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer.
Griner was arrested in February on drug charges, plead guilty in July, and was sentenced to nine years in August. She recently had been transferred to a penal colony, IK-2 female penal colony, which is known for widespread tortue and slave labor conditions.
The women’s basketball world has relentlessly worked to keep her case relevant and on people’s minds. Their constant effort has canvased social media over the past 10 months, and has inspired many other athletes and activists to step up and advocate for Griner’s release.
We are thrilled that Brittney Griner is returning home safely to her family and loved ones.
