Freeing Brittney Griner, imprisoned in Russia since February for drug smuggling, is a “priority” for Joe Biden, his spokesperson assured on Tuesday, indicating, rather tersely, that the president had read the letter sent by the American star of basket ball.

"The president read the letter," said Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday during her daily press briefing, without expanding on Joe Biden's reaction to this missive with painful overtones.

"This subject is a priority for the president" and he "does everything he can," said the White House spokesperson.

The Phoenix Mercury player was arrested in February when she arrived at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in possession, according to the prosecution, of vaporizers and a cannabis-based liquid.

The double Olympic gold medalist with the United States (2016-2020) came to Russia to play there during the American off-season, a common practice for basketball players who sometimes earn a better living abroad than at home.

She appeared on July 1 in court near Moscow for her trial, which was finally adjourned to Thursday July 7.

#FreeBrittneyGriner 135 days our sister and friend has been wrongfully detained in a Russian prison.

Let's all join hearts to help get her released.

#WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/p5pQts02Iv

— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 2, 2022


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The case is politically very sensitive, at a time when relations are at their worst between the United States and Russia, because of the invasion of Ukraine.

“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, my family, my friends, my Olympic jersey or anything I have accomplished, I am terrified of the thought of 'be here forever,' wrote the two-time Olympic basketball champion.

Karine Jean-Pierre, however, did not give more concrete indications on what the American administration is doing, only emphasizing that several senior officials were in regular contact with the family of the champion and in particular with his wife Cherelle Griner.

“If it was LeBron James or Tom Brady”…

“We want to end this practice, whether in Russia or in any other country, of unlawfully detaining Americans or foreign nationals for political gain,” Ned Price, spokesperson for the department, said on Tuesday. of state.

Asked about criticism from Brittney Griner's family or teammates, who believe the mobilization should be stronger, he assured that the Biden administration does not want to "do or say anything that could jeopardize" the chances. of a release.

"We of course understand the desire of families to draw as much attention as possible to their belongings," assured Ned Price.

Brittney Griner's teammates lamented the lack of attention, especially from the media.

"The outrage is not strong enough," Brianna Turner said on the sidelines of a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

"If it was LeBron James or Tom Brady it would make headlines every day," fellow player Sophie Cunningham said.

Justice

Russia: Basketball player Brittney Griner's drug trial opens amid war in Ukraine

Sport

War in Ukraine: The star goalkeeper of the Russian team sent for military service

  • Sport

  • Basketball

  • UNITED STATES

  • War in Ukraine

  • joe biden