Gay asylum seeker Andry Hernández Romero remains in danger, advocates warn
After months in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, the gay makeup artist has been freed, but not returned to safety.
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July 19, 2025
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prisoner swap
Brittney Griner, former Russian captive and current Olympian, celebrates historic prisoner swap
The WNBA star in Paris for the Olympics issued a joyful statement after news of the exchange spread.
August 2, 2024
BREAKING: Andry Hernández Romero, gay asylum seeker disappeared by Trump, part of prisoner swap
The gay makeup artist is headed back to Venezuela instead of the U.S., however.
July 18, 2025
Brittney Griner Released from Russian Detention
The out WNBA star was released as part of a reported prisoner swap for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
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December 8, 2022
Brittney Griner's Defense Team Appeals Her Conviction in Russia
(CNN) The U.S. State Department maintains Griner is wrongfully detained, and her case has raised concerns she is being used as a political pawn.
August 15, 2022
Ric Grenell’s rogue diplomacy stalls Marco Rubio’s Venezuela prisoner deal
The gay Trump loyalist and special envoy is ruffling feathers in Washington.
July 16, 2025
Donald Trump Denounces Deal to Free 'Spoiled' Brittney Griner
Trump called the lesbian basketball star a "potentially spoiled person" who entered Russia "loaded up with drugs."
August 1, 2022
Brittney Griner Sentence Inspires Fury, Smokeout at Russian Embassy
The out basketball star, sentenced to nearly a decade in a gulag for carrying a vape, continues to be a pawn of Putin's.
October 31, 2022
Russian Court Upholds Brittney Griner’s Conviction
The judge left Griner's verdict in place and only slightly reduced her nine year prison sentence.
October 25, 2022
Brittney Griner Convicted in Russia Over Drug Charges
The out WNBA star was first detained by Russian authorities in February. The Biden administration has admonished Griner's arrest as politically motivated.
August 4, 2022
Andry José Hernández Romero tells his story of horrific prison abuse to out California Democrat Mark Takano
“What the American government did to Andry and others is a stain on the moral fabric of our nation,” Takano says.
September 8, 2025
Biden to Meet With Families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan
Griner has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison, along with a fine of about $16,400.
September 16, 2022
Brittney Griner Release Major Diplomatic Victory for U.S.
The Biden administration secured custody of the lesbian athlete quietly and announced her freedom in an early morning press conference.
December 8, 2022
Brittney Griner, at NAACP Awards, Calls for Release of Others Detained
The basketball star made a surprise appearance at the event with her wife, Cherelle Griner.
February 27, 2023
Brittney Griner Lands in the U.S.
The out basketball star landed Friday at an Army base in Texas after being released by Russia.
December 9, 2022
Karine Jean-Pierre: U.S. Officials Met With Brittney Griner in Russia
"We are told she's doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances," White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said.
November 3, 2022
Biden Says He'll Meet With Putin Only to Discuss Brittney Griner
President Biden says there's no point in talking with the Russian leader unless Putin is willing to discuss Griner's release.
October 14, 2022
Biden, Congress Members, Task Force, HRC Denounce Griner's Sentence
The president said the situation is "unacceptable," and the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and the Human Rights Campaign agreed.
August 4, 2022
Brittney Griner Writes Plea to Biden, Fears Being Detained Forever
"Please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees," Brittney Griner, jailed in Russia, wrote to President Biden.
July 4, 2022
Brittney Griner Released From Medical Care, Says She Will Play Again
The WNBA star who was released from Russian captivity on December 8 has left the facility in Texas where she had been undergoing treatment to help reintegrate into American society.
December 16, 2022
Brittney Griner Says She Won't Play Overseas Again After Being Jailed in Russia
The WNBA star had much to say in her first full-length press conference since returning from detention in Russia.
April 27, 2023