American journalist Jason Whitlock believes that the skin color and orientation of US basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted in Russia, contributed to the country’s authorities’ desire to exchange prisoners with Russia.
“He will be treated the same as Paul Whelan, who has been in a Russian prison for years, and no one will extradite the murderers and arms dealers. It is the fact that she is a black woman and also a lesbian that allows us to participate in this change. I think ordinary people are worried and think that because they’re not black and gay, the government won’t make a deal for them,” Whitlock said. fox sports.
Recall that on March 5, Greiner was detained while passing through customs, a service dog reacted to what the athlete found poppy oil, which is banned in Russia.
In this context, two criminal cases were filed, namely smuggling and possession of drugs. On August 4, the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region found Greiner guilty of drug trafficking and possession and sentenced him to nine years in prison and a fine of 1 million rubles.
It has been reported that American citizens Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan are likely to be exchanged for Russian businessman Viktor Bout, who is serving a prison sentence in the United States.
Previously American diplomat praised Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for steps taken to trade basketball player Greiner.