Brittney Griner writes to Biden: “President, don’t forget me”

Brittney Griner, star of the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, detained in Russia since February, on drug trafficking charges, appealed to the US president, Joe Biden, saying he was afraid he would never be able to return home and asking not to be forgotten, “along with the other American prisoners in Russia”.

“While here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any achievement, I am terrified of having to stay here forever. “wrote Griner.” Please do everything possible to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for her. I believe in her. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that she can. help me recover. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know that they are in so much pain right now. I am grateful for everything you can do to bring me home. “

4th July

–

Griner’s letter was delivered to the White House on Independence Day, which she says has a whole new meaning for her this year. “On July 4th, our family normally honors those who fought for our freedom, such as my father who is a Vietnam War veteran.” The 31-year-old – who had traveled to Russia to play in Ekaterinburg before the US season resumed – was arrested at Moscow airport in February after cannabis oil vaporizer cartridges were found in her luggage. ; the arrest took place a few days before Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine, defying US warnings about the consequences of an invasion. US authorities initially kept a low profile on the case, which was not disclosed to the public until March 5. But against the backdrop of the gradual deterioration of relations, Washington now claims that Russia has “unjustly arrested” the basketball star and the case has ended up in the hands of the US special envoy for hostages. In Russia, less than 1% of drug arrest cases are resolved with the acquittal of the accused.