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U.S. declares WNBA player Brittney Griner ‘wrongfully detained’ in Russia
The United States Government says WNBA player Brittney Griner has been ‘wrongfully detained’ in Russia
Brittney Griner was arrested at an airport in Russia and accused of having cannabis vaping oil in her luggage.
The Phoenix Mercury player has been detained for over 75 days with US officials stopping short of classifying her as wrongfully detained.
However, following extreme backlash and pressure, Biden’s administration has made her release a priority.
There will now be more aggressive action from the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
“Brittney has been detained for 75 days and our expectation is that the White House do whatever is necessary to bring her home,”
griner’s agent
Her teammates and family are extremely concerned about Griner’s well-being, as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.
“Having learned that the US government has now determined that BG is being wrongfully detained we are hopeful that their efforts will be significant, swift and successful.”
The president of the WNBA players’ union, Nneka Ogwumike