According to Griner family, Brittney Griner wrote a handwritten letter to the White House Monday morning. They also provided excerpts for reporters. The imprisoned WNBA star pleaded for the president to remember her and stated that her deep appreciation for Independence Day had taken on new meaning.
Griner, who was detained in Russia from February to February, wrote that "I'm afraid I might be here forever." "On the Fourth of July, my family honors those who fought for freedom. My father is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts to think about how I celebrate this day, because freedom is something entirely different for me this year.
Griner was taken into custody at Moscow's airport last week after Russia claimed that she had cannabis oil in her bag. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center, was ordered by a Russian judge to remain in custody throughout the trial.
According to the U.S., Griner was wrongfully held.
Tuesday's White House statement stated that Griner's return home was a priority and that it is closely coordinating with a presidential special envoy for hostage matters.
"You saw the effort that his administration put into bringing Trevor Reed home. That is the same work and the same focus that was behind bringing Trevor Reed home. We're going the same way with Brittney Griner," White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre stated.
White House asked Vanessa Nygaard about the criticisms of Brittney Griner's coach @PhoenixMercury, and she replied yesterday that "If it were Lebron, he would be home." Press Sec. tells @CHueyBurns the Biden admin "going to do the same" work they did to free Trevor Reed pic.twitter.com/GRopyodQFr
Griner wrote in her letter that she voted in Mr. Biden's 2020 election, which was the first time she had voted. "I believe in your. She wrote that she believes in you.
While some support a prisoner exchange, Griner's imprisonment and trial are a low point for U.S.-Russia relations during the war in Ukraine.
Brittney Griner is being wrongfully held by the Russian Federation, we believe. The President Biden has made it clear that all U.S. citizens held hostage abroad or wrongfully detained abroad must be released. This includes Brittney Griner. Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, stated that the U.S. government is continuing to work aggressively -- using all available means -- to bring Brittney home. "The President's team keeps in touch with Brittney and will continue to support her family.
Cherelle Griner, Griner's spouse, and her family did not comment further on the letter.
