“We are paying attention” Americans and Joe Biden issued warning as WNBA unites to bring Brittney Griner home
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Brittney Griner, Joe Biden
Brittney Griner – the WNBA star, and Paul Whelan, a former Marine, are being imprisoned in Russia under what the government has called “intolerable circumstances.” Last week, President Joe Biden visited with their families and the purpose of the visit with the family members was to assure them of his continued support.
The WNBA star has been confined in Russia since February 2022, so the issue surrounding Brittney Griner is far from resolved. The centre from the Phoenix Mercury arrived in Moscow to play for the FIBA Europe Women’s Euro League and the Russian Premier League. Sadly, she was detained by Russian authorities when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were discovered in her baggage.
She was accused of drug trafficking for carrying substances into Russia, where marijuana is not permitted. Last Friday, Joe Biden scheduled separate talks with Griner’s wife and Whelan’s sister. According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden merely wanted to show his sympathy for the families while the negotiations with Russia are still ongoing.
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The current scenario of Brittney Griner
Since being detained in February at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Brittney Griner has been in the hands of Russian authorities. In Griner’s luggage, the Russian Customs discovered vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Griner received a nine-year jail term in August after being found guilty of drug offences in Russia. The defense team for Griner submitted an appeal for her nine-year sentence on August 15. Although Griner might have faced up to 10 years in prison, they contend that her sentence is still “excessive.” According to the defense attorneys, other offenders in comparable instances in Russia were given a shorter term, and some of them were also given parole.
Russian officials announced on August 11 that they are in talks with the U.S. government over a prospective prisoner swap that might have sent Griner home for the first time since her detention. The Biden administration believes she is being unlawfully held, and Viktor Bout, a renowned Russian arms dealer who was given a 25-year term in 2011, has reportedly been mentioned in connection with a possible prisoner swap. Griner, 31, who competes with the Phoenix Mercury and has won two Olympic gold medals, has also participated in UMMC Ekaterinburg’s WNBA offseason games in Russia since 2014 .
The sporting world blames Joe Biden for not taking any necessary actions
Dennis Rodman, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and other athletes and celebrities extended their love and support for Griner’s secure release. The basketball community has not given up on their fellow athlete, as it was recently reported that the United States has agreed to give up wearing the No. 15 jersey during the Women’s World Cup in Sydney. In addition, the Phoenix Mercury and WNBPA both expressed their support for her in June when the WNBA named her an honorary All-Star. The government has been criticised by the basketball community and warned against the release of Griner. However, the Biden administration has reassured everyone that they are making every effort to reduce the problem.
On August 4, Brittney Griner who had been detained abroad for more than 215 days, was given a nine-year jail sentence by a Russian court. Griner’s potential release from prison and return to her family is still being discussed by the US government; maybe, the WNBA star will see her family and friends again soon.
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