Paul Whelan

Brittney Griner Urges Fans To Support Paul Whelan

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Brittney Griner is finally back home following a long and grueling 10 months in a Russian prison. Of course, Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport with a weed cartridge in her bag. Consequently, Griner was hit with a nine-year prison sentence.

Subsequently, the United States government was able to negotiate a prisoner swap to bring her home. This was great news, especially since it is Christmas this weekend. Her family wanted her home for the Holidays, and that is exactly what they got.

Center Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury attempts to shoot after being fouled by forward Nia Coffey #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner Writers To Paul Whelan

During Griner’s time in Russia, the U.S. government was also trying to bring home former marine, Paul Whelan. Unfortunately, Russia played hardball with Whelan as he is in prison on espionage charges. Regardless, Griner has not forgotten about Whelan, and she is urging her fans to support him, any way they can.

In the Instagram post below, Griner wrote a letter to the fans who wrote her letters in prison. Griner now wants fans to direct that energy to Whelan and the various other families that have been ripped apart overseason.

“My family is whole and now, thanks to you, we are fortunate to get to spend the holidays together. However, there remain too many families with loved ones wrongfully detained,” she wrote. […] “I hope you’ll join me in writing to Paul Whelan and continuing to advocate for other Americans to be rescued and returned to their families.”

It remains to be seen when Whelan will be brought home, however, it is good to see Griner offering her support. She is now dedicating her time and effort to other Americans abroad, which is beautiful to see.

Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates on this developing story.

[Via]

Biden Administration Offers Deal to Bring Home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan

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brittney griner gettyimages 1241752906 AFP 32DY98T

The Biden administration has offered Russia an offer to bring home American citizens Britney Griner and Paul Whelan. According to CNN, the Biden Administration offered convicted Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange. Bout is currently serving a 25-year US prison sentence.

The proposed deal has been discussed since earlier this year. Biden’s approval overpowers objection from the Department of Justice, which is believed not to have a desire to participate in prisoner trades.

“We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians,” a senior administration said. “We communicated that a number of weeks ago, in June.”

The ball is reportedly in Russia’s court, but the administration is still communicating with Russian officials.

“It takes two to tango. We start all negotiations to bring home Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained with a bad actor on the other side. We start all of these with somebody who has taken a human being American and treated them as a bargaining chip,” the official said. “So in some ways, it’s not surprising, even if it’s disheartening, when those same actors don’t necessarily respond directly to our offers, don’t engage constructively in negotiations.”

Griner pleaded guilty in early July, revealing she unintentionally brought cannabis into the country. In a Wednesday (July 27) testimony, Griner stated she was never read her rights.

President Biden, who just recovered from COVID-19, is stated to have recently spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, and Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth.

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