via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
WNBA star Brittney Griner is on her way to a Russian penal colony. Experts have suggested that BG could face some of the harshest physical and mental challenges during her time in a penal colony, which is a relic of the Soviet era’s infamous Gulag system. Recently, an expert working for prisoners in such establishments has suggested that Griner’s $ 5 million net worth would have no value in prison. The 2014 WNBA champ earned her fortunes playing in the WNBA and the Russian women’s basketball league.
The Phoenix Mercury center has been sentenced to nine years in prison, and her current whereabouts are unknown. Griner was detained in February under drug possession and smuggling charges. Once Brittney Griner reaches the designated penal colony, the Russian authorities are obligated to reveal her location. However, her attorneys have suggested that the transfer process could take up to a month.
$5 million Fortune of Brittney Griner would be worthless in prison
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Recently, the founder of the Russia Behind Bars foundation, Olga Romanova gave an insight into the challenges Griner might face in a penal colony. BG will be kept in crowded barracks instead of cells. Moreover, she could be forced to work in labor camps in the penal colonies, infamous for inhumane treatment.
READ MORE: Life Threatening News for Brittney Griner Suggests Dark Time for Family and Supporters
Furthermore, the Russian prison expert stated that the penal colonies have a completely different currency. Hence, dollars or rubles will be of no use to BG during her time in prison. Romanova said, “She will need cigarettes just to get around.”
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Thus, Griner might have to figure out a different currency system during her time in a penal colony. Romanova reckoned that BG would need cigarettes to get things done inside the prison. Elsewhere, Griner could also be subjected to some different treatment due to her nationality and skin color.
Griner’s sexuality could pose a problem
Olga Romanova laid out one crucial factor that could be an issue for Griner during her time in Russia. Griner has publicly revealed that she is gay and is married to wife, Cherelle Griner. Unfortunately, she could face bullying and abuse due to her sexual preferences. Romanova added, “Lesbians are usually given the hardest work. She may be an exception because she is an American, she has a lot of attention.”
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Thus, the Russian expert felt that the attention and support she has from the US government and loved ones could prevent Brittney Griner from harsh treatment. Hopefully, the Biden Administration will succeed in its efforts to secure the eight-time All-Star’s release.
