“40,000 Others Incarcerated in the US”: Amid Iman Shumpert Arrest, Popular Attorney Highlights Brittney Griner Debate

Popular civil rights attorney Scott Hechinger has pointed out apparent double standards in the United States government’s rhetoric concerning the Brittney Griner situation. After Russian courts sentenced the WNBA star to nine years in prison, President Joe Biden issued a scathing statement condemning the decision.

However, recent arrests in cannabis-related cases in the US, including the arrest of former NBA player Iman Shumpert on Saturday, have sparked a debate on the double standard of the Biden administration when it comes to Griner’s arrest abroad and similar arrests made in the US.

Earlier this year, Russian authorities discovered cannabis oil and vape cartridges in Griner’s belongings. However, her arrest became a geopolitical issue due to Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. Soon after, American and Russian relations soured following an array of sanctions issued to hurt the Russian economy.

As Europe and North America bolstered their retaliation by authorizing a series of embargos on Russian exports, Griner became a bargaining chip for Moscow to exert pressure on the United States. After the Phoenix Mercury star’s trial concluded with a nine-year sentencing, Washington expressed its criticism of Russia’s actions.

Meanwhile, many American citizens, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have pointed out what they believe to be the hypocrisy of the Biden administration in admonishing Moscow’s ruling. In other words, they have highlighted the cannabis restrictions that have incarcerated thousands of people in the country.

Hechinger points out government’s double standards amid recent arrests

Scott Hechinger underlined the disparity in treatment of the Biden administration regarding the Brittney Griner situation. In a recent tweet, he pointed out that a Mississippi man has received a life sentence without parole for possession of marijuana.

“Outraged about 9 years for Brittney Griner in Russian prison for marijuana? You should be,” wrote Hechinger on social media. “Meanwhile, in the US, Allen Russell is serving *life without parole* in Mississippi for marijuana. While 40,000 others incarcerated in the US for marijuana.”

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Meanwhile, former NBA player Iman Shumpert was arrested on Saturday in Texas for carrying six ounces of weed. According to federal guidelines, carrying more than four ounces is a felony. The 2016 NBA champion was subsequently taken to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport jail.

The Brittney Griner situation

The Biden administration is considering a potential prisoner swap to bring home Brittney Griner. In fact, US media reports have mentioned that Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout as a possible option.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently said the US has made a “substantial proposal” to Russia in an attempt to secure Brittney Griner’s freedom as soon as possible.