Brittney Griner appeals directly to President Biden not to 'forget about me' in a letter

By Tom Maxedon
Associated Press
Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 - 8:39am
Updated: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 - 8:59am

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Brittney Griner
Kynan Marlin/Cronkite News
Brittney Griner in 2019.

President Joe Biden on Monday was delivered a letter written by Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner asking him not to, "forget about me and other American detainees."

Griner’s trial in Moscow on charges of her illegally possessing cannabis oil resumes Thursday.

The hand-written letter also stated, “… 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.”

Griner has been detained since her arrest in mid-February.

According to the Associated Press, less than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.

Griner isn't the only American jailed in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director, is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.

“Please do all you can to bring us home,” Griner's letter continued. “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. 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.” 

Griner's wife, Cherelle, said Tuesday morning she has not had any direct communication with President Biden since the letter was delivered to the White House.

“I still have not heard from him and honestly, it’s very disheartening," Cherelle Griner said on CBS Mornings.

The White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner's letter.

“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner," NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively — using every available means — to bring her home."

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