Brittney Griner is “terrified” she may be in Russia “forever.”
The trial for the WNBA player began in Moscow on July 1 after Russian authorities accused Brittney of smuggling cannabis oil in her luggage. She’s been detained since February, faces 10 years, and must remain locked up for six additional months while the trial is on going.
As reported on The Jasmine Brand, Brittney penned an open letter to President Joe Biden, hoping he could step in and use his political power to do something. Part of the letter says, “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.”
In another part, Brittney wrote, “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.”
She continued,
“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.” She continued, “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.”
A sports news outlet says POTUS Biden hasn’t gotten back to Brittney as of yet. Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, told CBS, Biden’s lack of response is “is very disheartening.” However, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, told the publication that they’ve been in contact with the Griner family in “recent weeks.” Sullivan said,
“The White House is closely coordinating with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who has met with Brittney’s family, her teammates and her support network.
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who has been detained in Russia on drug charges since February, sent a handwritten letter to President Biden asking him not to forget about her.
"I’m terrified I might be here forever," she wrote. https://t.co/sakqIzimPU
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 5, 2022
Over the weekend, Cherelle said, Brittney is “forced” to go into a tiny cage whenever she has to make a court appearance. Seemingly inhumane, considering Brittney is six-foot-nine.
Cherelle told CNN Brittney has to travel in the small cage for court for five hours, round trip. Insider reports “experts,” say everything will be a “show trial” and an outcome has “likely been decided.” Last week, photos of Brittney went viral online as she wore shackles on her wrists, cuffed to an officer, and surrounded by multiple security guards.
We’ll keep you updated on the story.