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Brittney Greener sent a letter to the White House on Monday to make sure President Joe Biden and the rest of his administration don’t “forget about me and other American detainees” in Russia.
Griner’s letter was forwarded to the White House through her representatives. Although most of the content remained private, her representatives shared some excerpts.
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WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Greiner arrives for a court hearing in Khimki, outside Moscow on July 1, 2022 (KIRIL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
“…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any accomplishments, I am terrified that I could be here forever,” the WNBA superstar wrote.
“On the 4th of July, our family usually honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War. It pains me to think about how I usually celebrate this day, because freedom means something completely different to me this day of the year.”
Griner implored Biden to use his presidential powers to ensure her return. She was arrested in February for allegedly carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis-derived oils through a Moscow airport.
BRITNEY GREENER DETENTION: WNBA SUPERSTAR HEADS FOR ‘DUE PROCESS’, RUSSIAN COURT SYSTEM UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner (C) arrives for a court hearing in Khimki, outside Moscow on July 1, 2022 (KIRIL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
“Please do everything in your power to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore,” the letter read in part. “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for anything you can do at this time to bring me home.”
The White House National Security Council confirmed that the White House received Griner’s letter.
“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Greener,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need for all American citizens who are being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad to be released, including Brittney Greener. The US government continues to work aggressively – using all available means – to bring her home.”
Griner is in the middle of a trial that began Friday to determine her fate. Fewer than 1 percent of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted and, unlike in American courts, acquittals can be overturned.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks about recent mass shootings from the White House on June 2, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to Ryan.Gaydos@fox.com.
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