Brittney Griner Speaks Out for the First Time Following Release From Russian Prison: "Feels So Good to be Home"

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 31: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of the WNBA game at the Footprint Center on August 31, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

16-Hour Work Days, Racism Among Horrific Conditions Brittney Griner Faces in Russian Penal Colony [Video]

Iesha November 28, 2022 Sports Leave a comment

Brittney Griner is reportedly facing 16-hour work days and homophobic and racist conditions while serving time in a Russian penal colony.

It was reported earlier this month that Griner was moved to a Mordovian forced labor camp, where conditions are generally inhumane.

According to The Nation Magazine’s Dave Zirin, there is widespread bigotry and little medical care inside the prison, where inmates are forced to sew uniforms for police and guards.

Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova spent two years in a Russian penal colony, where she called the place hell and said “beatings and torture” were common. She also expressed her concern for Griner.

In a statement, Griner’s camp said she “is doing well as can be expected” despite everything happening.

“Despite the fact she is alone and now nearing her ninth month in detention separated from her loved ones,” her reps said, “she is trying to stay strong.”

Griner has been detained in Russia since February after being charged with carrying hashish oil into a Moscow airport in her luggage. She received a nine-year prison sentence, and in October, an appeal against that decision was rejected.

U.S. officials have claimed they are working on a prisoner swap to get Griner home.