- Viktor Bout has joined the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR).
- Bout was released from prison on terrorist charges Thursday.
Viktor Bout, a Russian arms trader who was traded for WNBA star Brittney Griner in a prisoner swap, has joined the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), according to state media.
“I am deeply touched by the honor. And naturally, I am very nervous to be in the spotlight,” said Bout as he accepted his membership card from party leader Leonid Slutsky in footage aired on Russian state channel Russia 24.
“Leonid Eduardovich [Slutsky] has done a lot to free me. LDPR strongly supported me,” said Bout. “It is my honor, it is my duty to do all I can not only to help, but also to be actively involved in the work [of the party].”
Bout, referred to by his accusers as the “Merchant of Death,” was freed from US custody on Thursday after being given a 25-year prison sentence for planning to kill Americans, purchase and sell anti-aircraft missiles, and give financial assistance to a terrorist group. He asserted that the leader of the LDPR contributed to his release.
“It has been my motto throughout this difficult time not to lie and not to be afraid,” he added. “This helped me. I hope that now at this difficult time for Russia, LDPR always stands for you, for Russia and for the truth.”
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