Pelosi Statement on the Release of Brittney Griner

[Johnny2X2X]

5. Sounds like she made an honest mistake

She had a busy travel schedule and left her weed cartridge in her suitcase. She'd been to Russia before to play basketball, probably didn't think much of it. But yeah, you need to follow the laws of the countries you go to. Russia sentenced her to 9 years to make her a bargaining chip. She made a mistake, glad she's coming home.

There are other prisoners they have we need back too. The school teacher that got 12 years for 19 grams of weed knowingly broke their laws, he was warned not to bring weed, but thought he could get away with it. He needs to come home too, but that's going to take time.

And Paul Whelan is complicated. We offered an asset for him earlier in the year, but they gave us another ex Marine instead. And we wanted him in this deal but Russia flat out refused, it was a non starter. Russia has other people they want for Whelan. Hopefully this is coming soon, but Whelan was in Russia with 4 passports, which is weird and the reason they probably think he is a legit spy. Heck, he might actually be a spy, but we want him home regardless. Russia really wants to hold Whelan, they wouldn't include him in either of the swaps this year.