Brittney Griner spends birthday behind Russian bars

Published

3 years ago

October 19, 2022

Holly Stearnes

Tributes pour in for Brittney Griner today, as she spends her 32nd birthday behind bars in Russia

BRITTNEY GRINER- Birthday wishes from around the world have flooded in today for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

The American has spent her 32nd birthday behind bars in a Russian prison cell.

It comes as U.S. consular officers complete a phone call with Griner and fellow American detainee, Paul Whelan.

The news of the phone conversation was confirmed during a State Department briefing, and follows months of no contact with the pair.

Brittney Griner & Paul Whelan
Photo credit: CNN

It comes as the Biden Administration continues to push for their immediate release, attempting to strike a deal with Russia.

However, it remains difficult given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Birthday behind bars

Today, marks 8 months since WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained for bringing cannabis oil into the country. It also marks Griner’s 32nd birthday.

She released a message from behind bars that read “thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me.”

Tributes now flow in for the Basketball star, from around the globe.

We are not a family without #BrittneyGriner. It’s time to BRING HER HOME. #WeAreBG.

Today marks eight months of her Wrongful Detention. She needs her family now more than ever.

BG – we have not forgotten you, and we will not rest until you’re home. pic.twitter.com/gVJAXByU34
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) October 17, 2022

Happy Birthday @brittneygriner ! You’re absence is felt everyday that you are not here, but today we come together to celebrate you. We love you BG, and we will not stop until you are home! pic.twitter.com/imJo8xWRvv
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) October 18, 2022

Tributes from teammates

Appeal hearing approaches

Griner now awaits her appeal hearing next week, where she will learn her fate.

Many of Griner’s supporters, including the Biden administration, believe she has been “wrongfully detained” and used as a political pawn.

Russia has previously stated that the release of Griner is not a priority for the country.

Speaking exclusively to CNN, Griner’s lawyers said her birthday has been “difficult” because of her looming appeal hearing in a matter of days.

They added Griner is “very much concerned with the outcome of the appeal.”

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Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

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1 day ago

October 1, 2025

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Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.