The Biden administration recently secured the release of two Americans convicted of criminal charges in Russia, but even fabricated charges of spying can raise the stakes.
Tag: Griner, Brittney
Russia’s ‘Sham’ Charge of Spying Makes Whelan’s Case the Hardest
Supporters say Paul Whelan is more hapless tourist than James Bond — and that the Russians know it. But that doesn’t make freeing him any easier.
Biden’s Top Hostage Negotiator Details the Release of Brittney Griner
He said he told her “I’m here to take you home” when they met in Abu Dhabi for the prisoner exchange.
In Hostage Diplomacy, It’s Often the Hostage-Takers Who Pay
Detaining foreigners to wring concessions from their home country’s government holds perils for both sides, but especially, perhaps surprisingly, for the hostage takers.
Former Prisoner in Iran Welcomes Brittney Griner to a ‘Bizarre Club’
Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was in prison for two years, said she was unable to simply pick up where she left off, quitting her job, traveling and then writing about her experience.
Brittney Griner Swap Puts Spotlight on Americans in Russia
Westerners in Russia have to weigh the risks of living and working in the country against professional and financial opportunities there.
When a Prisoner Swap Is a Rorschach-Test
The scene on the tarmac with Brittney Griner and Viktor Bout didn’t just show a prisoner trade. It told the story of where two rival countries had landed decades after the Cold War.
Russia Cheers Viktor Bout’s Release as a Kremlin Victory
To the West, he is a criminal with blood on his hands, a global weapons merchant — but Russia portrays Mr. Bout as a victim of American injustice.
Inside the Prisoner Swap That Freed Brittney Griner
U.S. officials say Moscow had been pushing for the release of a Russian assassin being held in Germany before finally agreeing to release Ms. Griner for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer.
After Release, Brittney Griner Faces Reintegration
With her prison ordeal over, Brittney Griner will now face the challenge of transitioning back into life at home.