WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in a Russian prison since February of this year. In the midst of her criminal justice battle, she recently penned a letter to United States President Joe Biden, pleading for him to help bring her home.
The Phoenix Mercury player was arrested in a Moscow airport in February for having marijuana vape cartridges in her luggage, a crime that is punishable with up to 10 years in prison. However, United States officials argue that the athlete is being wrongfully detained and deserved to come home to the States.
Over the last few months, Griner’s future has remained unclear; she has been used as a bargaining chip, government officials from both countries cannot provide her with clear details of the legal process, and her trial was pushed back countless times.
Despite being postponed a handful of times, her trial finally began on July 1st and continued into the 7th when she plead guilty to drug charges.
Brittney Griner’s handwritten letter to the President pleads for him to bring home American detainees
After her first day in court, Griner penned a letter addressed to President Joe Biden in which she pleads for him to bring home the American citizens being detained overseas. “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,” she wrote in the letter that was delivered to the White House on Monday.
“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,” she continued.
Griner also shared her emotions surrounding family life, including the fact that she misses her loved ones in the States. “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!” she added. “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.”
Following Griner’s letter to Biden, the basketball player’s wife confirmed that Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris received the letter. Cherelle Griner stated that the two political figures personally called her.
“While I will remain concerned and outspoken until she is back home, I am hopeful in knowing that the President read my wife’s letter and took the time to respond,” Cherelle relayed, according to CNN. “I know BG will be able to find comfort in knowing she has not been forgotten.”
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