In the letter which is soo touchy and heart wrenching, Britney expressed how she fears she might not return again, she explained how July 4th means a lot to her as that is the day her family honors those who fought for their freedom, and she pleaded the president to do his best to bring her home.
Earlier this year, on Feb 17, 2022, Brittney was detained in Russia by the Russian Federal Customs Service for allegedly having in her possession vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a banned substance in Russia, in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. Brittney’s arrest came barely a week before Russia and Ukraine had their crisis, she was in Russia to play for an international team during the WNBA’s off-season when she was arrested.
In May, the U.S. state department classified Brittney as being “wrongfully detained,” meaning it would work more aggressively in securing her release.
Brittney Griner’s – Letter To The President
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.” Her letter arrived at The White House on July 4, but the day holds significance for her in more ways than one.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore.”
Brittney also highlighted the people in her life she is thinking of as she is held in custody—including her spouse of three years, Cherelle Griner. “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Brittney Griner — Celebrities That Join Echo Her Freedom
On June 5, LeBron James took to Twitter to tweet his support for Brittney on behalf of his company, Uninterrupted.
“For over 100 days, BG has faced inhumane conditions in a Russian prison and has been denied communications with her family and loved ones. As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sports community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally,” he wrote.
“It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home,” he added. “Join us in demanding that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris bring Brittney home swiftly and safely by taking action today,” he continued, sharing a Change.org petition to “Secure Brittney Griner’s Swift and Safe Return to the U.S.”
Kerry Washington: “The world needs to be talking about #BrittneyGriner,” Kerry Washington tweeted on June 30. “Action NEEDS to be taken.”
Amy Schumer: “Let’s go, everybody. This is not okay. #freebrittneygriner now. All hands on deck. Make some noise,” wrote Amy with a screenshot of the photos of Brittney that were published in June. The pictures showed a wide-eyed Brittney being escorted by Russian police.
Lisa Rinna: Reposting Amy Schumer’s June 30 IG post in support of #FreeBrittneyGriner, Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna added her voice to the many supporting the WBNA star’s rescue. “Yes!!!!!” wrote Lisa. “We need to get her out of there, stat!!!!!!”
Griner isn’t the only American being wrongfully detained in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.
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