American lesbian and two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist, Brittney Griner, has been detained in Russia after Russia’s customs claimed to find hash oil in her luggage. Brittney, who plays for both WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg, is the latest of multiple Americans confined to Russia over alleged charges.
Cherelle, Brittney’s wife, said in an Instagram post, “There are no words to express this pain. I’m hurting, we’re hurting.”
Her family and supporters’ concern is intensified due to the global political climate as a result of the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine. As Putin continues attacking Ukraine and its people, much of the world has united in boycotting Russian goods, restricting the country’s access to banking systems, and implementing immobilizing sanctions. That, and the harsh accusation being made, adds even more pressure onto her release.
It’s claimed Brittney attempted to smuggle a significant quantity of narcotic substances through customs, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. “As a US citizen was passing through the green channel at Sheremetyevo Airport upon arriving from New York, a working dog from the Sheremetyevo customs canine department detected the possible presence of narcotic substances in the accompanying luggage,” a statement from the customs service said.
“The customs inspection of the hand luggage being carried by the US citizen confirmed the presence of vapes with specifically smelling liquid, and an expert determined that the liquid was cannabis oil (hash oil), which is a narcotic substance.”
When Brittney Griner got detained, exactly, also remains in question. While Russian customs said the arrest occurred during February, they didn’t specify a date. Brittney posted a picture to Instagram on February 16th, which is said to show her at a hotel in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. However, a few days later, Brittney was not in the lineup when her Russian team played.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus announced that the Biden administration is working to get Griner out of Russia, after a meeting with President Jo Biden. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Griner’s hometown of Houston, said there is a “need for her to be immediately released and for her to receive the help of the United States to demand and facilitate that release.”
Getting Brittney released is not going to happen overnight. In fact, a U.S. representative told CNN that doing so is “going to be very difficult.”
The invasion of Ukraine and much of the world, including the U.S.’s response to it, is a major hurdle to Brittney coming home. “Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment,” Rep. John Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said.
“Perhaps during the various negotiations that may take place, she might be able to be one of the solutions. I don’t know.”
He went on to remind everyone: “Russia has some very, very strict LGBT rules and laws”
