WNBA star Brittney Griner has faced some tough challenges since her childhood. The 2014 WNBA champ is currently facing one of the most difficult phases of her life in Russia. However, she is on course to witness the toughest challenge yet when she reaches the designated penal colony, inspired by the Soviet Union’s inhumane Gulag system. Recently, an ex-inmate who spent nearly two years in a Russian penal colony has suggested that Griner currently has bigger problems at hand even before she finds a way to secure her freedom.

Brittney Griner is on her way to one of the infamous penal colonies in Russia. Her transfer process began on November 9 after a Russian regional court denied her appeal last month. She was sentenced to nine years in prison earlier for drug possession and smuggling charges.

Moreover, BG would be serving in an undetermined penal colony, and her current location is unknown. Recently, a member of the feminist protest group Pussy Riot, Maria Alyokhina, laid out the atrocities that Brittney Griner might face during her time in prison.

Alyokhina gives key advice to Brittney Griner

Alyokhina and some other Pussy Riot members spent nearly two years in a penal colony for protesting against Russian president Vladimir Putin. She faced some horrific situations and managed to prevail in tough times.

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The Pussy Riot activist suggested that Griner is likely to be held in crowded barracks with very few privileges, unlike American prison cells. She reckoned that Griner could be subjected to inhumane conditions and forced to work in harsh labor camps, sewing uniforms for the Russian police and army.

Moreover, Alyokhina laid out the mental torture Russian prison guards use to break down an inmate’s spirits. She gave Griner key advice that could act crucial for her survival in tough conditions.

Maria Aloykhinsa stated,?”It’s important not to forget yourself and not lose your freedom. Because this is what the system teaches you. They teach how to forget your right to choose.”

The 34-year-old advised Griner to keep fighting for her freedom despite the challenges. She felt that the prison system aimed to make inmates forget their right to make their own choices, and BG must not forget that.

Alyokhina’s battle could be an inspiration for Griner

Maria Alyokhina spent nearly two years in the Ural mountains penal colony. She experienced inhumane treatment and forced labor herself. However, despite the ‘legal slavery’ and torture, she continued to fight for her freedom.?

Alyokhina studied prisoner rights inside the penal colony. She lodged a complaint about prisoner abuse, resulting in the expulsion of eight prison guards. After the incident, Alyokhina managed to walk out and continues to work as a political activist.

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Thus, Maria Alyokhina’s journey inside a penal colony might serve as an inspiration for Brittney Griner to keep fighting for her freedom.