WASHINGTON. Brittney Griner, the American basketball star, who has been detained in Russia since February on drug trafficking charges, appealed to US President Joe Biden, saying he was afraid he would never be able to go home and asking not to be forgotten, “along with the other American prisoners in Russia.”
“While I am here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, my family, my friends, the Olympic jersey or any achievement, I am terrified of having to stay here forever. “. He asks Biden please to “do whatever he can to bring us home.” I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help me recover. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know that they are in so much pain right now. I am grateful for everything you can do to bring me home. ‘
Brittney alone, frightened and in handcuffs, risks ten years in the silence of the United States
gabriele romagnoli
Griner’s letter was delivered to the White House on Independence Day celebration, which Griner says has a whole new meaning for her this year. “On July 4th, our family normally honors those who fought for our freedom, such as my father who is a veteran of the Vietnam War.”
The 31-year-old – who had traveled to Russia to play at a local club before the season resumed in the United States – was arrested at Moscow airport in February after cannabis oil vaporizer cartridges were found in her luggage. . The arrest came just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine, defying US warnings about the consequences of an invasion. US authorities initially kept a low profile on the case, which was not disclosed to the public until March 5. But against the backdrop of the gradual deterioration of relations, Washington now claims that Russia has “unjustly arrested” the basketball star and the case has ended up in the hands of the US special envoy for hostages.