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| Photo Credit: AP. |
US basketball star Brittney Griner has sent a letter to President Joe Biden in a passionate appeal for help following prolonged incarceration in Russia. In a letter sent to the White House through her representatives, Griner said she feared she might never return home, asking that the President not “forget about me and the other American Detainees,” The Associated Press reports.
Griner’s
agent Lindsay Kagawa reportedly said the letter was delivered on Monday.
″…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 wrote, according to The Associated Press.
“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,” the Phoenix Mercury
center added. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because
freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
Griner was
arrested on February 17 in Russia on charges of possessing cannabis oil while
returning to play for her Russian team.
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, according
to The Associated Press.
“I still
have not heard from him and honestly, it’s very disheartening,” Cherelle Griner
said on CBS Mornings, The Associated Press reported.
The
Associated Press reported that 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.”
Griner
appealed to Joe Biden to use his powers to ensure her safe return.
“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,” Griner said, according to The Associated Press. “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.”