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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Says Brittney Griner’s Detainment In Russia Was ‘Targeted And Personal’

Griner was arrested in February at a Moscow-area airport for possession of hashish oil.

After news of Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia became public, many have called for her return to the United States, and now some are claiming she’s being used as a political pawn amid the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

One of those advocates on behalf of the two-time Olympian and WNBA star is Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Griner’s home state of Texas.

During an interview with The Hill, Jackson Lee says her concern is for Griner’s “family and her privacy.”

“But under the circumstances, I’m obviously concerned and believe the actions of the [Russian] Federal Customs officers was unnecessary. And it was, in my perspective, targeted and purposeful,” the Congresswoman said. “I don't underestimate anything that Russia would do. With that in mind, I've got to keep fighting on all aspects of the front to ensure her safety.”

On March 5, the The New York Times reported that Griner was being detained by the Russian Federal Customs Service at the Sheremetyevo Airport after a canine unit detected she had vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage.

RELATED: It’s ‘Very Difficult’ To Secure WNBA Star Brittney Griner‘s Release From Russia, Congressman Says

An investigation by the customs service was allegedly opened into allegations of large-scale-transportation of drugs, which can carry a 10-year prison sentence as punishment.

Another concern for Griner is the way her identity as a Black, LGBTQ American will affect her treatment in Russian custody.

David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, told The Hill these “propaganda” laws demonstrate Russia’s “very public history” of anti-LGBTQ sentiment.

“All those things make her prone to particular attack,” he said, noting he fears that Griner will not return to the United States. “We live in a world where that's possible. I mean, all of those things are possibilities ... having watched Russia slow-walk into a war right before our eyes.”

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