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Russian Official Sheds Light On Potential Brittney Griner -‘Merchant Of Death’ Prisoner Swap

Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, posted a concerning message to Instagram amid the star center's detaining in Russia on drug charges

UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 23: Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Connecticut Sun forward Jonquel Jones (35) during the second round of the WNBA playoff game between Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun on August 23, 2018, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Phoenix won 96-86. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire)

Will the United States have to release the “Merchant of Death” in order to get WNBA star Brittney Griner Back home from Russia.

While her detainment was recently extended, it has been rumored that the US may consider swapping out Viktor Bout, who’s serving 25 years in a US prison for conspiracy to kill American, in order to get Griner back home.

However, a Russian official reportedly shut down that idea.

Viktor Bout was given the intimidating nickname of “Merchant of Death” due to his ability of flying Cargo planes through Arica’s poverty-ridden areas. Bout was the influence of Nicholas Cage’s movie “Lord of War”.

Recently, Brittney Griner’s agent called on the Biden-Harris administration to do whatever they have to in order to get the WNBA star back to the states.

“Today’s extension is just further reinforcement that Brittney Griner – an Olympian and an American citizen – is being used as a political pawn,” Lindsay Kagawa-Colas tweeted. “Her detention is inhumane and unacceptable. She has not had a single phone call in her 117 days of wrongful detention, and we call on @POTUS and @VP to act with urgency and do whatever it takes to bring Brittney home immediately.”

Hopefully we can reach a resolution in the troubling Brittney Griner situation ASAP.


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