Topline
WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February on drug charges, is able to communicate with her fellow teammates and league players in writing, the Associated Press reported, as the basketball community and her family continue to plead for her release.
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury is seen during the game against the Indiana Fever at Indiana … [+]
Key Facts
Hundreds of emails have been sent to an account for Griner that was set up by her agent.
The messages are printed out and given to her after being vetted by Russian officials.
Griner handwrites responses, which her lawyers take pictures of, or dictates messages.
The WNBA Players Union sends out text messages reminding members they can send Griner notes to the email address, which has not yet been made public.
Tangent
Last week, Griner’s wife, Cherelle, told ESPN that President Joe Biden needs to do more to get her back on U.S. soil. “He has that power. I’m just, like, ‘Why are we not using it? Like, urgently, use it.’ We’re expecting him to use his power to get it done,” Cherelle Griner said. She said she believes that there would be more urgency to get Griner home if it was an NBA player who was detained. In May, Cherelle was told by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that Griner’s case has his full attention and is being worked on day and night.
Key Background
Griner, who was playing basketball in Russia during the WNBA off-season, was detained in a Moscow airport when leaving the country after officials allegedly discovered vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Griner faces up to ten years in prison and is being held in pre-trial detention. Last month, the government stated that Griner’s case was one of wrongful detainment. Three members of Congress introduced a resolution to free her and called on the White House to make her homecoming “one of the highest priorities for our government.” Forbes reported last month that the Biden Administration has offered to swap Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Negotiations are in the preliminary stages, a non-government source told Forbes. A prisoner swap in April secured the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed from Russia.
Further Reading
Brittney Griner Involved In Possible Prisoner Swap With Russia (Forbes)
Brittney Griner Reportedly Reclassified As ‘Wrongfully Detained’ In Russia By U.S. (Forbes)
State Department: Brittney Griner Remains ‘Top Priority’ As Russia Releases Trevor Reed (Forbes)
Lawmakers Introduce Resolution To Free Brittney Griner From Russia (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/06/02/brittney-griner-communicating-through-email-from-russian-detention/