US State Department Now Classifies Brittney Griner as “Wrongfully Detained” in Russia

Iesha May 3, 2022 News Leave a comment

According to a State Department official, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will be handling WNBA player Brittney Griner’s case after she was arrested in Russia.

The SPEHA office is responsible for ensuring the release of Americans who have been unfairly incarcerated abroad.

On Monday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, “When it comes to our efforts to free Americans, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Ambassador Carstens, he will go anywhere, he will talk to anyone if it means that we’re able to come home with an American, to reunite that American with her or his family.”

In February, Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport and charged with smuggling considerable amounts of a narcotic substance, a crime punishable by up to ten years in jail by Russian authorities.

The WNBA announced on Tuesday that for the 2022 season, Griner’s initials (BG) and jersey number (42) would be displayed on the sidelines of all 12 home courts.

“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

“We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”