Brittney Griner’s plight is well known.
She’s been detained in Russia on drug charges since February while her friends, family, teammates and the world beg for her release.
We all saw her briefly on TV last week as she was escorted to a Russian courtroom under guard, but no apparent progress has been made to secure her release and safely bring her home.
Griner faces a possible 10-year sentence for drug smuggling and all fear for her future and life.
On Monday, Griner’s family delivered a letter the WNBA star addressed to the White House that expressed her fears about her future.
“I’m terrified I might be here forever,” wrote Griner. “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.”
Griner’s detention was kept relatively quiet but as news of her arrest spread, the volume intensified.
In May, the White House formally declared that Russia “wrongfully detained” Brittney Griner. That shifted the responsibility for bringing Griner home to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
“When it comes to our efforts to free Americans, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Ambassador Carstens, he will go anywhere, he will talk to anyone if it means that we’re able to come home with an American, to reunite that American with her or his family,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price at the time.
In response, Russia reiterated the serious charges levied against Griner and reprimanded the U.S. for trying to politicize the process.
“The charges are serious, based on objective facts and evidence that is available,” said the Russian ministry. “Attempts by the [U.S.] State Department to cast doubt on the validity of the detention of B. Griner are explained solely by the desire to influence justice by politicizing a generally understandable situation.”
Then they extended her detention twice.
Despite Russia’s extended detention and usage of Griner as a hostage while the U.S. and other nations financially punish Russia for attacking Ukraine, neither Brittney nor her supporters are giving up hope.
“I realize you are dealing with so much,” wrote Griner to President Biden. “But please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home.”
Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife, shared some of Brittney’s feelings expressed in the letter.
“I won’t let them break me,” wrote Griner according to Cherelle. “I know they’re trying to, but I’m going to do my best to just hold on until I can get home.”
Brittney Griner’s trial resumes this week.
We will continue to keep you updated on the situation.
