Brittney Griner’s supporters remain hopeful that the president Joe Biden will secure a prisoner swap. Similar, to what it was the case earlier this season. Hence, with another Texan ex-Marine Trevor Reed.
The Russian judge on Wednesday handed down Brittney Griner. A personality who is an WNBA basketball player. Furthermore, Houston native to nine years of prison for trafficking illegal drugs into that country.
Brittney Griner admitted to the charges earlier this month and later apologised for the mistake she deemed it an “honest error.”
The decision is the latest disturbing news in a story that began in February. Thus, when Russian authorities detained Brittney Griner on the day of Russia’s unprovoked incursion into Ukraine.
Brittney Griner’s supporters remain hopeful that President Joe Biden will secure a prisoner swap in exchange for her release. Similar, to what Biden did in the past with another Texan ex-Marine Trevor Reed.
A scathing critique of the harsh and gruelling conditions in Russian prisons has increased the political urgency. There are also particular issues with regard to Brittney Griner’s treatment. Someone, who is gay in a country that has a reputation for its homophobic discrimination. In the last month Biden Administration officials said they would offer to swap Brittney Griner as well as Paul Whelan. Another American who is in Russia. That is, in exchange for Viktor Bout. A Russian arms trafficker who is currently in prison at the U.S.
Biden issued a statement following the sentence.
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner was sentenced to a prison term. A term that serves as a reminder of what the world had to know. Thus, Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” he said. “It’s inexcusable and I ask Russia to release Brittney immediately. Further, to be reunited with her family loved ones. That is, family and friends.
“My Administration will put in the hours and seek every option to get Brittney. Hence, as well as Paul Whelan back home. That is, in a safe and secure manner as soon as is possible.”
Brittney Griner arrived in February. She was later detained for bringing less than a kilogram of cannabis oil contained via vape devices into country. Griner apologised to the court on Thursday in court. Claiming she packed her bags too quickly to play basketball professionally within Russia in the future. Furthermore, “had no intention of breaking Russian laws.”
Brittney Griner was an all-star player on her Baylor University Lady Bears basketball team in 2009-13. She’s been playing in The Phoenix Mercury since the 2013 draft. Furthermore, also was a basketball player throughout China and Russia in the off-seasons.
Although she is in Phoenix and is in Phoenix. Thus, a number of Texas congressmen have maintained close communication with the State Department over this matter. The U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is a representative of the Houston region. Brittney Griner was raised in Houston obviously. Hence, as well as U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who is a colleague of Baylor University athlete. Also, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In the process of obtaining her release. Obviously, the involvement is very close.