The return of Brittney Griner early in December caused more turmoil than joy. Notably, while her peers may have celebrated the occasion, many others viewed the situation differently. They were upset with Joe Biden and the US officials for prioritizing Griner over Paul Whelan, a former US Marine imprisoned for four years. Likewise, a heated debate ensued. However, having first-hand experience being away from home, the 33-year-old WNBA star is standing with the people to bring Whelan back. In an admission on Instagram, she urged people to show the 52-year-old some love through a simple gesture.
Brittney Griner’s terror began in February when the Phoenix Mercury superstar took her annual trip to Russia. Playing overseas to help make a living, her trip would not go as per usual. In news that shocked the basketball world to its core, the WNBA star was detained at a Moscow airport for carrying vape cartridges. When facing the law, she was sentenced to nine years imprisonment. For 294 days, Griner would battle the tough conditions without any support.
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The only form of closeness she felt would be through letters. As she returned to her family, Griner shared the impact the writings had on her. Determined to bring back wrongfully detained American citizens, she asked the masses to do the same for Whelan.
Brittney Griner reveals how Americans can help Paul Whelan stay strong
After nearly 300 days away from her home, Griner took to Instagram to thank her supporters for never giving up the fight. However, she also made sure to share how supporters can help Paul Whelan by writing letters. Notably, the US officials couldn’t work out an exchange to bring the former Marine along with Griner. They revealed Russia wasn’t willing to negotiate any deal regarding Whelan. Hence, if it wasn’t for the Viktor Bout deal, Griner would still be in Russia.
Likewise, using her story to prove the power of unity, Griner wrote, ?Your letters were also bigger than uplifting me. They showed me the power of collective hands. Together, we can do hard things. I?m living proof of that. My family?s whole and now, thanks to you, we are fortunate to get to spend the holidays together. However, there remain too many families with loved ones wrongfully detained. Those families stood alongside you and all who supported the We Are BG Campaign to bring me home and it?s our turn to support them. I hope you?ll join me in writing to Paul Whelan and continuing to advocate for other Americans to be rescued and returned to their families.?
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Not just Brittney Griner, but the reigning POTUS, Joe Biden, made his stance on Whelan crisp and clear. The Biden administration renewed its commitment to secure his release following the four-year anniversary of his detention. The officials revealed they have assured the Whelan family of their relentless approach in bringing the former Marine home.
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Reports suggested Russia demanded a convicted murderer held in Germany to accept an exchange. Hours after Griner’s release, Paul Whelan told CNN he hopes the Biden administration does anything to secure his return. Do you think the POTUS will accept the terms Russia has put forward? Let us know your views in the comments below.