Brittney Griner Met With U.S. Embassy Officials In Russia
Brittney Griner, the Olympic gold medalist and professional basketball player who has been convicted of drug smuggling in Russia, has officially met with U.S. embassy officials in Moscow.
State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a Thursday (Nov. 3) tweet, “Officials visited Brittney Griner today. They saw firsthand her tenacity and perseverance despite her present circumstances. We continue to press for the immediate release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan and fair treatment for every detained American.”
Additionally, according to CNN, while talking to reporters on Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Griner “is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances” and it is a "top priority" for the Biden administration to secure Griner's release.
In February, the WNBA star, who had been playing for UMMC Yekaterinburg in Russia, was arrested by the Russian Federal Customs Service at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow. Agents said they found hashish oil vape cartridges in her luggage. According to The Washington Post, she was charged with transporting a “significant amount,” or 0.702 grams, of cannabis oil. Griner’s arrest came amid tension escalating over Russia invading Ukraine.
Griner pleaded guilty but argued in court that she did not intentionally put the cartridges in her luggage and packed them in haste. In a written statement, her defense presented evidence that she had been prescribed cannabis to treat pain. However, on Aug. 4, the WNBA star was convicted and sentenced to 9 years for drug smuggling.
Over the summer, the U.S. State Department and Russian officials were reportedly discussing the possibility of trading Griner, along with Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine convicted on espionage charges for Victor Bout, who is imprisoned in America for arms dealing. But no agreement was made, despite the Biden Administration’s offer.
Griner attempted to appeal her nine-year prison sentence for drug smuggling and was rejected by the Moscow Regional Court. Last month, former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, told CNN that he’s “cautiously optimistic” Griner will be released by the end of this year. Richardson has met privately with senior Russian officials, who are close to President Vladimir Putin, through his organization, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement.
