The US urged Russia to accept its prisoner swap proposal to free basketball star Brittney Griner – Up Jobs News

The spokesman for the National Security Council, John Kirbyurged this Thursday to Russia to accept the “substantial offer” that USA offered him last Monday in exchange for delivering the basketball player Brittney Griner and the ex-marine Paul Wheelan.

“As you all know, we have made a substantial offer to bring her (Griner) and Paul Whelan home. We urge Russia to accept this proposal,” Kirby said on the day that the nine-year prison sentence imposed by the Russian Justice on the athlete after being accused of drug possession and smuggling was revealed.

The sentence, as explained by the official in a press conference, is “a reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is unfairly detaining Brittney”since “he should never have had to endure a trial.”

“We have repeatedly called on Russia to release her immediately so that she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends and teammates,” the spokesman said. National Security Council.

“Under the leadership of President Biden, the United States Government continues to work aggressivelyseeking every avenue to bring home Brittney, Paul Whelan and all Americans held hostage and wrongfully detained around the world,” he added.

In this sense, Kirby assured that the United States is willing to take “all necessary steps” to bring its citizens back.

On August 1, Washington proposed to Russia the release of Griner and Whelan in exchange for two Russian citizens, including convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to knowledgeable sources consulted by the news agency Bloomberg.

UNCEPTABLE SENTENCE

The president of United States, Joe Bidensaid this Thursday that the Russian justice condemnation of Brittney Griner is “unacceptable”” Y asked for immediate release of the American basketball player.

“Russia is detaining Brittney by mistake. It is unacceptable and I ask Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends and teammates.”Biden said in a statement.

The US president reiterated that “will work tirelessly and seek all possible avenues” to repatriate Griner, 31 years old, and another American detained in Russia, Paul Wheelan.

Brittney Griner was sentenced this Thursday to 9 years in prison by a Russian court that found her guilty of drug traffickingafter being arrested in possession of cannabis-based vapor liquid upon arrival in Moscow.

(With information from Europe Press)

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