Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife, is asking President Joe Biden for her release. He should do whatever it takes to bring the WNBA star from Russia, where she has been held for over three months.
“I keep hearing that, you’re aware, he has power.” Cherelle said that Griner is a political pawn. She became emotional as she revealed what little she knew about Griner’s arrest during an interview on Wednesday morning on Good Morning America. “So, if they’re holding Griner because they want her to do something, then I want them to do it.
After vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in the Phoenix Mercury Center’s luggage at an airport close to Moscow, the center was taken into custody.
Griner, 31, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from the U.S., faces drug smuggling accusations that can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. The Biden administration stated earlier this month that Griner was being wrongfully held.
Cherelle spoke with Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, about Griner’s situation but not with the president.
“I was grateful to the call, you said she was top priority, but it’s what I want to see. Cherelle stated in her first interview that she would like to see BG on American soil. “At the moment, I don’t know who I’m getting back when I return.”
Cherelle spoke with Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, about Griner’s situation but not with the president.
“I was grateful to the call, you said she’s top priority but I want to see it. Cherelle stated in her first interview that she would like to see BG on American soil. “At the moment, I don’t know who I’m getting back when I return.”
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Russian officials described Griner’s case without making any political connections as a criminal offense. However, relations between the U.S. and Russia have fallen to their lowest point since the Cold War.
Despite the strain, Russia executed an unexpected prisoner swap last month. Konstantin Yaroshenko was traded for former Marine Trevor Reed. Konstantin Yaroshenko is a Russian pilot currently serving a 20 year sentence in federal prison for conspiring to smuggle Cocaine into the United States.
Although the U.S. doesn’t usually accept such exchanges it did make the deal because Yaroshenko had already completed a large portion of his sentence.
Griner may be considered by the Russians to be someone who could participate in another such exchange.
Griner is not the only American unjustly held in Russia. Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, is another American. Whelan was visiting a friend’s wedding in December 2018, when he was arrested. He was sentenced to 16 year imprisonment for espionage-related offenses that his family claims are bogus.
Cherelle stated, “Even though they are separate people, separate jobs, and no connection other than what they’re going thru in Russia, you know that I obviously want him back also.” “You don’t want anyone to be there, going though what they’re going through.”
Cherelle, who has just graduated from North Carolina Central University’s law school, has not spoken to Griner on the phone since her arrest.
Brittney was the first to hear the news. Cherelle stated that Brittney started texting her around 2:00 AM the morning of the news. “‘Babe. Babe. Babe. Wake up. They are in the room with me. I don’t understand what’s happening so I immediately text them back, “Who are they?”
