After being convicted guilty of importing illegal substances into Russia, the Russian government detained WNBA star Brittney Griner. Her most recent attempt to get the bond denied recently. Continue reading to learn more about Griner’s prison existence.
Alexander Boykov, Griner’s attorney, recently discussed the basketball star’s life behind bars in an interview. Griner must get up at seven in the morning, make her own meals with the other convicts, and the lights are turned off at precisely ten at night.
As there is no suitable location to exercise, the athlete finds it difficult to maintain her physical fitness. “There’s no gym, no runway, no basketball court,” says her lawyer.
Griner is more likely to be transferred from a detention center to a penal colony, where she will be required to labour for 8 hours a day like the other inmates, doing tasks like sewing, cleaning, cooking, and serving food. But for Griner, she would probably serve as a women’s basketball coach because of her WNBA career.
“I hope that she will be sent to a colony with a lenient governor who allows her to coach basketball in the daytime rather than being a seamstress,” said her lawyer.
It is still a question whether she will be a part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States.
President Joe Biden has already spoken out about Brittney Griner’s case, and he has vowed to bring her home safely.
A Russian court has sentenced American basketball player Brittney Griner to nine years in prison. The sentence Griner received is considered serious by most, as it will keep her behind bars for nearly a decade. However, some have voiced their concern for the athlete’s safety, noting that she could be in danger while incarcerated in Russia. This was Brittney’s first offense, and many are hoping that President Joe Biden will be able to help get her released and sent back home safely.
Drug offenses in Russia can often result in lengthy prison sentences, so Brittney Griner’s sentence of nearly a decade is not all that surprising. However, given the fact that Brittney Griner is an American citizen, many people are calling for her release.
MORE: The judge found that Brittney Griner had criminal intent and said she is guilty of smuggling and storing illegal drugs. She was sentenced to nine years in prison. https://t.co/4j36yH1PSh
— ABC News (@ABC) August 4, 2022
President Joe Biden has already spoken out about Brittney Griner’s case, and he has vowed to bring her home safely. It is still unclear what will happen next, but it seems likely that Brittney Griner’s case will be brought up to the President soon.
In an official statement, President Joe Biden informed that: “Today, American citizen Britney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Britney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Britney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
BREAKING: Pres. Biden on Brittney Griner's sentence in Russian drug trial: "Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates." https://t.co/8jMkbBBnaH pic.twitter.com/LwFZdLwzvh
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 4, 2022