Congresswoman Sheila Jackson is “demanding” the release of detained WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russian authorities.
Griner, 31, was detained by the Russian Federal Customs Service near Moscow after vape cartridges with hash oil were discovered in her luggage. She was stopped last month and has been in custody for three weeks.
“Brittney Griner is a United States citizen. She was a guest in Russia…and I will be demanding her release,” Texas Democrat Rep. Lee said during a news conference on Saturday.
Russia is currently involved in a hostile takeover of neighboring Ukraine.
“I don’t want to disregard a sovereign nation,” Lee said at the press conference, “but Putin has disregarded sovereign nations his entire service in this world. Anyone that is killing and attacking and destroying Ukraine, a neighboring country that is not bothering them, has no right to hold Ms. Griner. Period.”
According to Russian authorities, Griner faces five to ten years in prison if convicted.
Griner’s agent told ESPN that this is an “ongoing legal matter” in a statement on Saturday. They are also in talks with the WNBA and the NBA.
Brittney’s wife posted on Instagram that this is one of the weakest moments of her life.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely.”
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