Brittney Griner released from Russian penal colony - in pictures
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said US basketball star Brittney Griner (L) had been traded for Viktor Bout (R) in a prisoner release exchange. AFP
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner sits in the plane as she flies out of Russia on Friday, December 9, 2022. Russian Federal Security Service / AP
President Joe Biden speaks to reporters about Griner's release. Reuters
Cherelle Griner talks about the release of her wife. Reuters
Mr Biden thanked his administration and the UAE, which enabled Griner's release along with Saudi Arabia. AP
Griner in action in an Arizona game in 2021. Getty Images / AFP
'Welcome home Brittney,' Mr Biden said at the White House. AP
Viktor Bout in 2009 before his extradition to the US. AFP
Nicknamed the Merchant of Death, Bout had been serving a 25-year sentence in the US after being convicted of conspiring to kill Americans and aiding a terrorist organisation. AFP
Griner holds a picture of her basketball team from behind bars. AFP
Griner in action at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Reuters
Mr Biden and others speak to Griner by phone after her release from Russia. Reuters
Griner in action in Saitama, Japan. AP
A Griner supporter at a WNBA basketball game in Chicago in August. AP
Paul Whelan, a former US marine who was arrested for alleged spying. Mr Biden said he would would 'never give up' fighting for his release. AP
The entrance of the IK-2 penal colony in Yavas where Griner was held. AFP
