Brittney Griner, a 31 year old WNBA star with gold medals was detained in Russia for more than four months with the claim that she was carrying vape canisters containing cannabis oil before embarking on her journey to the U.S. from Moscow in Russia. She was arrested on the 17th of February, 2022 before the start of the Russian war with Ukraine.
With this claim, the Phoenix Mercury Centre faces a drug transportation charge that has a maximum 10 years sentence if convicted of the case.
Brittney Griner’s written letter sent by her representatives to the White House was received on monday, 4th of July and here is the content of the letter.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever. On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year. I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Griner’s detainment in Russia is now viewed as a plot by the Russian government to threaten the U.S. and as a negotiating ploy by Russia due the tension and friction between the two.
National Security Council Spokeswoman Adrienne Watson believes the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney. She goes on to say that Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals abroad held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released. The U.S. government is working aggressively using every means possible to bring her home to her family.
