Washington — President Joe Biden talks to the wife of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who is on trial in Russia on Wednesday, and he says the White House Said to win Griner's freedom as soon as possible.
Biden's conversation with Cherelle Griner was a handwritten letter from a basketball player received by the White House on Monday, following Brittney Griner's personal appeal to the President. In the letter, Grinner was afraid she would spend forever in detention in Russia and asked Biden to "remember me and other American detainees."
Grinner has been detained in Russia for four months and she is currently being tried for possession of an arc cartridge containing hemp oil.
Read more: What you need to know about WNBA star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia
The phone said that Griner's family did not think Brittney Griner's letter to the President or the government was doing enough to bring his wife home, some by Cherelle Griner. By talking about her case, including through television interviews, she is active in putting pressure on the Griner administration.
The President called Cherel to secure the release of Britney and the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. citizens who were illegally detained or held hostage in and around Russia. I reassured her that I was there. The White House said in his statement. "He also read to her a draft letter that the president is sending to Brittney Griner today." According to the White House, Biden will help his family and the government will win Brittney Griner's release. He promised to give his family "as much support as possible" while taking steps.
Greener is in the middle of a trial in Russia that began last week after being arrested on February 17 for possessing cannabis oil when he returned to play for the Russian team. The trial will resume on Thursday.
Less than 1% of Russian criminal defendants have been acquitted, and unlike US courts, acquittals can be overturned.
Cherelle Griner told "CBS Mornings" in an interview on Tuesday that it was "disappointing" forherthat Biden had not yet contacted her while her wife was in custody. Said.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was repeatedly asked about Greener during her daily briefing on Tuesday. She said Biden had read the letter, but would not explain his reaction except to say, "This is very personal to him."
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Jean Pierre said Biden planned to talk to Grinner's family, but both National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently talked to Grinner's wife.
Monday's representative of Brittney Griner shared an excerpt from her letter to the President.
Someone wrote: I may be here forever.
The letter was delivered to the White House on July 4, and Brittney Griner said it was a special day for her family.
"On July 4, our family usually honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father, a veteran of the Vietnam War," Phoenix Mercury said. Center said. "It's hard to think about how I always celebrate this day, as this year means something completely different from freedom."
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