After months of intensive internal debate about the topic, the Biden administration offered an exchange to Russia: Brittney Griner and Paul Wheland in return for a convicted Russian arms dealer, ominously known as, “The Merchant of Death.”
Brittney Griner, a well-known seven-time WNBA All Star, and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has been in Russian custody since February 2022. She was detained in Russia after the Russian Federal Customs Service found vape cartridges containing the marijuana concentrate hashish oil in Griner’s luggage. She was found guilty on drug charges and sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Paul Whelan is a Canadian with US, British, and Ireland citizenship, and was detained in December of 2018. He was accused of spying and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Viktor Bout is one of the most notorious and well-known arms dealers and was recently detained by the US and has been serving a 25 year prison sentence. He was detained and sent to prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to kill Americans and US officials, delivering anti-aircraft missiles and aiding a terrorist organization.
As an entrepreneur and former Soviet military translator, Bout was reported to use his many legal air transport companies to illegally smuggle weapons.
The disclosure of this agreement sent many reeling as the issue raised obvious questions such as what standards apply when trading prisoners. This agreement becomes even more complex as the trade involves a dangerous criminal in return for two civilians.
Brittney Griner, a well-known seven-time WNBA All Star, and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has been in Russian custody since February 2022. She was detained in Russia after the Russian Federal Customs Service found vape cartridges containing the marijuana concentrate hashish oil in Griner’s luggage. She was found guilty on drug charges and sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Paul Whelan is a Canadian with US, British, and Ireland citizenship, and was detained in December of 2018. He was accused of spying and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Viktor Bout is one of the most notorious and well-known arms dealers and was recently detained by the US and has been serving a 25 year prison sentence. He was detained and sent to prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to kill Americans and US officials, delivering anti-aircraft missiles and aiding a terrorist organization.
As an entrepreneur and former Soviet military translator, Bout was reported to use his many legal air transport companies to illegally smuggle weapons.
The disclosure of this agreement sent many reeling as the issue raised obvious questions such as what standards apply when trading prisoners. This agreement becomes even more complex as the trade involves a dangerous criminal in return for two civilians.
