WNBA star Brittney Greiner was unjustly detained in Russia for 265 days.
On Wednesday, Griner’s lawyers announced that he was in the process of being transferred to a Russian penal colony to serve a nine-year sentence on drug smuggling charges. Griner’s family may not know where she is for a while, as “notifications are sent by official mail and typically take up to two weeks to receive,” but the Russian penal colony is where Griner previously lived in Moscow. It is well known that the conditions are far harsher than those in prison. .
This heartbreaking news prompted reactions from many prominent women’s basketball officials and organizations.
Following the announcement from BG’s legal team, the president said: Joe Biden said He is “determined to bring her home.”
“My hope is now [midterm elections are] Mr. Putin would be willing to sit down with us and talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.
U.S. officials made a “serious” offer to Russia in June in exchange for BG’s freedom, but that offer fell through. The White House said in a statement Wednesday morning that despite repeated attempts, it had not received a legitimate counteroffer from Russian officials.
“In the following weeks, despite the lack of good faith negotiations on the Russian side, the U.S. government continued to follow up on its offer and continued to propose alternative ways forward with the Russian side through all available channels.” said the paper. “The U.S. government remains unwavering in its commitment to working on behalf of Britney and other Americans held in Russia, including fellow illegal detainee Paul Whelan.”
“Our primary concern continues to be BG’s health and well-being. We will continue to write to her and keep her informed as she navigates this very difficult stage of not knowing exactly where she is or how she is doing. We ask for the public’s support in continuing to express love and care.”
“We are grateful for your support, and as we near the end of our nine months in detention, we hope that BG and all unjustly detained Americans will be shown mercy and be able to return to their families for the holidays.” I hope you return home.”
Statement from the Women’s National Basketball Players Association regarding Brittney Griner’s transfer to a Russian penal colony. pic.twitter.com/mQg0kJ57I3
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) November 9, 2022
We continue to pray for BG and her family every day. visit We are BG To learn more about what you can do to help.
