Brittney Griner writes a letter from prison to Biden
From Brittney Griner The handwritten letterwas delivered to the White House on Monday morning, according to the Griner family, who provided the reporter with an excerpt. In her letter, the imprisoned WNBA star begged the president to remember her, and her already deep appreciation for her Independence Day has taken on new meaning this year, she said.
"I'm afraid I'll be here forever," wrote Greener, who has been detained in Russia since mid-February. "On July 4, our family usually celebrates the service of those who fought for our freedom, including our father, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Freedom means something completely different from me. So it's hard for me to think about how to celebrate this day. Year. "
Greener had atrial last weekIt started in, but then in Februarywas arrested at Moscow AirportRussia claimed that its luggage contained cannabis oil. A Russian judge ordered Greener, the Phoenix Mercury Center who played in Russia during the WNBA's off-season, to be detained during her trial.
The United States states that Greener isillegally detained.
In her personal plea, Grinner gave Mr. Biden all the prisoners of war in the United States. I urged you to release it. "I know you're dealing with so many things, but don't forget me and other American detainees. As much as I can to take us home. Do that. "
Grinner said in a letter that she voted for Mr. Biden in 2020, when she first voted. "I believe in you. I still have something to do with my freedom and I can help you recover," she wrote.
Some supporters support prisoner exchange, but during thewar in Ukraine, Grinner's detention and trial are at a low stage of US-Russian relations.
"The Russian Federation believes that Brittney Griner has been illegally detained. President Biden, including Brittney Griner, has been held hostage or illegally abroad. It has made it clear that all US citizens in custody need to be released. The government will continue to work aggressively by all means and take her home. " "The president's team is in regular contact with Britney's family and we will continue to strive to support her family."
Greener's wifeSherel, and the family did not comment further on the letter.
- In:
- Joe Biden
- Brittney Griner
- Russia
Catherine Herridge is a senior investigative correspondent at CBS News covering the National Security and Intelligence Agency based in Washington, D.C.
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