WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, is now calling on president Joe Biden. According to TMZ, Griner sent a letter to the White House on Monday pleading for Biden to not forget about her and other Americans detained in Russia.
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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,” the two-time Olympic gold medalist wrote. “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. I believe in you.”
NEW: A letter from Brittney Griner was sent to the White House today, making a direct appeal to President Biden for her freedom. Representatives shared the following excerpts: pic.twitter.com/pvh4IpOfou
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 4, 2022
As we previously reported, Griner’s trial started last week, months after she was taken into custody at a Moscow-area airport last February. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. “I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore,” she told Biden. “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.”
Since Brittney Griner was detained in Russia, multiple celebrities/influencer have been publicly pleading for her release. In the beginning of June, NBA star, Lebron James spoke out and penned a message to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sport community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally,” the Los Angeles Lakers star wrote on behalf of his company, Uninterrupted. “It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home. Join us in demanding that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris bring Brittney home swiftly and safely by taking action today,” he continued, sharing a Change.org petition to “Secure Brittney Griner’s Swift and Safe Return to the U.S.”
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Biden’s officials recently tweeted a message to let her supporters know that her release is a “top priority.”
“[The case] has the fullest attention of the president and every senior member of his national security and diplomatic team, and we are actively working to find a resolution to this case and will continue to do so without rest until we get Brittney safely home,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week.