Lawmakers Introduce Resolution To Free Brittney Griner From Russia

Topline

Three members of the House of Representatives introduced a resolution to push for the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February on drug charges.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half in Game Four of the 2021 WNBA … [+] semifinals at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Key Facts

Reps. Colin Alred (D-Texas), Greg Stanton (D-Arizona) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) called for the immediate release of Griner, who lives in Arizona and grew up in Texas.

The resolution urges the U.S. government to press Russia for Griner’s release in all interactions with the country, and calls on Russia to provide consular access to Griner.

In a statement, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, said the Phoenix Mercury player’s case should be kept “on the forefront” and it should be made clear to the White House “that her release should be one of the highest priorities for our government.”

Crucial Quote

“We must move this legislation forward as we continue to work with the administration—specifically the State Department and the hostage negotiator—for the successful return of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan as we also pray for other Americans held around the world,” Lee said. “Brittney Griner must be freed now, and deserves justice now.”

Big Number

47%. That’s how many American adults are very or somewhat concerned about Griner’s detainment, up from 42% in March, when news of her detainment became known, according to a YouGov poll published Wednesday.

Tangent

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday he’s “working side-by-side” with the WNBA to bring Griner home, in one of the most direct statements of support for Griner made by the league yet. Silver said the NBA did not “take a higher profile here” due to a “the suggestion of experts in and out of government who felt the best path to getting Brittney out was not to amplify the issue,” something WNBA players have also said. Silver said he and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert have “been in touch with the White House, the State Department, hostage negotiators, at every level of government and also through the private sector as well.”

Key Background

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February when vape cartridges containing hashish oil were allegedly discovered in her luggage. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, and she is currently in pre-trial detention. Earlier this month, Griner was re-classified by the State Department as someone “wrongfully detained” in Russia, and special presidential envoy Roger Carstens was assigned to lead her case. Her detainment was extended Friday by an additional 30 days. This weekend, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told Cherelle Griner that her wife’s case has his full attention.