Women’s basketball player, Brittney Griner’s wife, had an interactive engagement with Joe Biden, the President of the United States, on Wednesday, and he informed her that he is actively trying to facilitate her spouse’s release from Russia‘s custody, according to the White House.
Due to allegations of bringing marijuana vape cartridges into the country, two-time Olympian Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, may spend up to 10 years in prison.
According to the White House, “President of the United States, joined by Vice President Harris, interacted with Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner who is wrongfully imprisoned in Russia under intolerable cases.”
It further mentioned, “The president called Cherelle to reassure her that he is currently working to ensure Brittney’s release as soon as possible” and read her a draft of a letter he is sending to the WNBA star.
Griner, 31-year-old, was imprisoned in the days before Russia began its full-scale military operation against Ukraine, after which the US & its allies imposed unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia.
Her case has become one of many noting points in ties between the United States & Russia, with Washington putting its special envoy in charge of hostages on the case.
In a hand-written letter presented to the White House on US Independence Day, Griner had asked Biden to help free her from a Russian prison.
“I understand you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about the other American Detainees and me,” Griner wrote. “Please do all you can to ensure to bring us home.”
