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15 PHOTOS: Brittney Griner's journey from Russian prison back home to US

Brittney Griner leaves Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Dec. 8, 2022
Brittney Griner leaves Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Dec. 8, 2022.
FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Newly released photos show American basketball star Brittney Griner’s time in a women’s prison in Russia, as well as her release and trip back home to the U.S. after a prisoner swap Thursday.

Photos obtained by TASS, a state-owned Russian news agency, show the WNBA star at Women's Penal Colony No 2. in the Moldovia region, about 300 miles southeast of Moscow. The 32-year-old WNBA player was sentenced to serve nine years there.


Griner returned to the U.S. early Friday and was spotted getting off a plane at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas before sunrise. She was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center, which specializes in the treatment of former hostages and prisoners.

Brittney Griner has a meal at WomenBrittney Griner has a meal at Women's Penal Colony in an undated photo.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Griner was freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange after 294 days in detention in Russia. The U.S. released notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout as part of the deal.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who also played pro basketball in Russia, was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17, 2022, after Russian authorities said she was carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil.

Brittney Griner is seen getting a meal at WomenBrittney Griner is seen getting a meal at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 in an updated photo.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner makes a bed at WomenBrittney Griner makes a bed at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 in an undated photo.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

The bed of Brittney Griner is pictured at WomenThe bed of Brittney Griner is pictured at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 in an undated photo.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner works at the WomenBrittney Griner works at the Women's Penal Colony No. 2 in an undated photo.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner reacts to a phone call at WomenBrittney Griner reacts to a phone call at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Nov. 29, 2022.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner signs a paper at WomenBrittney Griner signs a paper at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Nov. 29, 2022.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner signs papers at WomenBrittney Griner signs papers at Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Dec. 6, 2022.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner leaves WomenBrittney Griner leaves Women's Penal Colony No. 2 on Dec. 8, 2022.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner is seen on a plane in the United Arab Emirates, where the prisoner swap was made, ahead of her flight to the U.S. on Dec. 8, 2022Brittney Griner is seen on a plane in the United Arab Emirates, where the prisoner swap was made, ahead of her flight to the U.S. on Dec. 8, 2022.FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

Brittney Griner (far left) at an air base in the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 8, 2022. A U.S.-Russia prisoner swap was made at the base. Russia received arms dealer Viktor Bout (second from right)Brittney Griner (far left) at an air base in the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 8, 2022. A U.S.-Russia prisoner swap was made at the base. Russia received arms dealer Viktor Bout (second from right).FSB/TASS/Sipa USA

The plane carrying Brittney Griner arrives at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022, in San Antonio, TexasThe plane carrying Brittney Griner arrives at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Brittney Griner gets out of a plane after landing at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022 in San Antonio, TexasBrittney Griner gets out of a plane after landing at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas.SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images

Brittney Griner arrives at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022, in San Antonio, TexasBrittney Griner arrives at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on Dec. 9, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images