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US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
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US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
WNBA star Brittney Griner recently completed 200 days in a Russian prison. Officials arrested her earlier this year in Russia following charges of trafficking illegal drugs. Subsequently, she received a lot of hate and support simultaneously from all over the world in this time of distress.
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After she pleaded guilty to the charges brought against her, Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. Officials of the two countries held negotiation talks about a potential prisoner exchange plan following the WNBA star’s sentencing.
Family members and lawyers from Griner’s side have played their role in urging the government to accelerate their efforts and bring back the WNBA star as soon as possible. Moreover, Griner herself had written to the President of the United States from her exile.
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In her letter, she talked about her thoughts and how she feels she is going to be there forever.? “As I sit here in a Russian prison,” Griner wrote in the letter, “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.“
As of today, there have been no major breakthroughs regarding the WNBA star’s release. According to reports, officials from both countries had held talks for the exchange a few weeks ago.
The White House had read the plea by Brittney Griner
Following her plea to the White House, reports suggested that President Joe Biden was aware of her letter. Griner’s representatives had delivered her handwritten letter to the officials and it was read by Biden.
During a press conference, the secretary of the White House confirmed all the reports that suggested that Griner’s plea had reached the President. She said, “This is very personal to him.” However, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre restrained from giving out any further details regarding the issue.
Officials have discussed a prisoner swap deal that would bring Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, a former US Marine back to the States. On the other hand, Russia would receive the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, often touted as ‘the Merchant of Death.’
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What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.
