I was glad to hear of the release of Brittney Griner from a Russian prison, as were most Americans. But at what cost, we must ask. In order to obtain her release, the United States released Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer known as “the Merchant of Death.” Another American, Paul Whelan, who has been in a Russian prison for nearly four years, was not released. Was Ms. Griner released before Mr. Whelan because of her fame? American basketball fans put a lot of pressure on the administration to release her.
When one is in a foreign country, especially one like Russia, which is not known for its concern for human rights, one must realize that one is subject to the laws and law enforcement of that country. What may seem like a minor offense or not an offense at all in one’s own country may be a serious crime in another country. Ms. Griner’s foolish decision to bring cannabis oil with her to Russia put the United States in the position of releasing a dangerous Russian criminal to gain her release.
