Brittney Griner has written to President Joe Biden with an pressing plea: “Please do not forget about me.”
The message from the WNBA star was delivered by way of a letter she handwrote from the Russian jail the place she has been held since being arrested in February at a Moscow airport on drug prices. She faces as much as 10 years in jail if convicted.
“As I sit right here in a Russian jail, alone with my ideas and with out the safety of my spouse, household, mates, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I may be right here perpetually,” Griner wrote.
Representatives for Griner shared sections of the letter with BuzzFeed Information and different media shops, however mentioned the total message could be stored personal between her and the president.
“On the 4th of July, our household usually honors the service of those that fought for our freedom, together with my father who’s a Vietnam Battle Veteran,” Griner wrote. “It hurts fascinated about how I normally have a good time today as a result of freedom means one thing fully completely different to me this yr.”
Griner, 31, additionally instructed Biden that her first-ever vote was for him within the 2020 presidential election.
“I understand you might be coping with a lot, however please don’t neglect about me and the opposite American Detainees. Please do all you may to carry us residence,” she mentioned. “I voted for the primary time in 2020 and I voted for you. I imagine in you. I nonetheless have a lot good to do with my freedom you could assist restore.”
“I miss my spouse! I miss my household! I miss my teammates!” Griner mentioned. “It kills me to know they’re struggling a lot proper now. I’m grateful for no matter you are able to do at this second to get me residence.”
Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the Nationwide Safety Council, mentioned in an announcement supplied to BuzzFeed Information that the White Home was working “aggressively” to carry Griner residence.
“We imagine the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” Watson mentioned. “President Biden has been clear about the necessity to see all US nationals who’re held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas launched, together with Brittney Griner. The US authorities continues to work aggressively – utilizing each out there means – to carry her residence.”
Watson additionally mentioned high officers had been in common contact with Griner’s household and teammates.
However Griner’s spouse, Cherelle, instructed CBS on Tuesday morning it was “very disheartening” that she was but to listen to from Biden concerning the letter.
Cherelle mentioned they had been disillusioned that they had not been in a position to meet personally with Biden.
“It kills me each time … when I’ve to put in writing her, and she or he’s asking, ‘Have you ever met with him but?’ And I’ve to say, ‘No.’ … I’m certain she’s like, ‘I’m going to put in writing him and ask now, as a result of my household has tried and to no avail. So I’m going to do it myself,'” Cherelle mentioned.
