Senator Bernie Sanders has addressed the Brittney Griner situation with a bold statement. In fact, the veteran politician has called for the swift release of the WNBA star from her detention in Russia. In addition, Senator Sanders also criticized the use of Brittney Griner as a geopolitical pawn amid Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Russian airport authorities detained Griner after seizing vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil from her belongings. Subsequently, the Russian courts sentenced the Phoenix Mercury star to nine years in prison following her guilty plea.

Bernie Sanders calls for the release of Brittney Griner

Senator Bernie Sanders has called for the immediate release of Brittney Griner from her exile in Russia. “Sentencing Brittney Griner to nine years in prison in Russia is absolutely outrageous,” the Vermont Senator wrote on Twitter.

“She should not be a victim of geo-political tensions. She should be released immediately and allowed to come home,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has assured Griner’s family and ordinary Americans that Washington is working diligently to broker a deal to release Griner. Following the 31-year-old hooper’s sentencing, President Biden issued a statement condemning the verdict of the Russian judiciary.

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Additionally, the President also concluded that Moscow’s actions regarding the situation were unacceptable. As it turns out, President Biden’s former adversary for the Democratic nomination, Senator Sanders, shares a similar viewpoint.

Griner’s future in Russia

Brittney Griner’s future in Russia is still pretty much shrouded in uncertainty. Recent reports have revealed the depressing state of the Russian penal colonies that are expected to house the eight-time WNBA All-Star.

Furthermore, the inmates in Russian prison facilities face inhumane treatment with little to no medical care. The derelict infrastructure of the facilities is suitable for the propagation of lethal diseases. Inmates generally have to work 17 hours a day with only about four hours of sleep.

Meanwhile, Griner’s legal team has appealed the verdict of the Russian courts. However, the 2014 WNBA champion’s best bet to escape the Gulag-like labor camps she’s about to go to is through the help of the U.S. government.

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Washington is working on negotiations involving a potential prisoner exchange deal. However, the exact details of such a deal haven’t been released yet.