Array
Brittney Griner’s family said they are praying for the ex-US marine stuck languishing in a Russian prison while also expressing gratitude to the Biden administration for the WNBA star’s freedom.
Griner, 32, was freed by Russia on Thursday after nearly 10 months in the country’s custody in a prisoner exchange with the US for infamous arms dealer, Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.”
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to President Biden and his administration for the tireless work they did to bring Brittney home,” the Griner family said in a statement.
Critics, however, felt the Biden administration was wrong to leave behind former marine Paul Whelan, 53, who has been sitting in a Russian prison for almost four years.
“Leaving Paul Whelan behind for this [deal] is unconscionable,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted.
The Griner family acknowledged the pain his family feels and said they are praying for him.
“We sincerely thank you all for the kind words, thoughts and prayers – including Paul and the Whelan family who have been generous with their support for Brittney and our family during what we know is a heartbreaking time,” they said in a statement.
