Bipartisan group of senators introduces resolution calling for Brittney Griner’s release

Republicans and Democrats in the United States Senate have joined forces to support a resolution calling for the release of Brittney Griner, the basketball star who has been held in a Russian prison since February on drug-related charges.

More than 30 senators joined as co-sponsors of the resolution, which “calls on the government of the Russian Federation for their immediate release [Griner]”; “Urges the United States to raise the case of Brittney Griner and to urge her release in all interactions with the Government of the Russian Federation”; “urges the government of the Russian Federation to grant consular access to Brittney Griner while she remains in detention”; “calls on the government of the Russian Federation to respect the human rights of Brittney Griner”; and “expresses his support for the family of Brittney Griner and his commitment to bringing them home.”

The resolution also expresses support for Paul Whelan, a US citizen, who was arrested in Russia in 2018 on espionage charges, along with “all prisoners unjustly detained in the Russian Federation.”

It was written by Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Kristen Sinema, both from Arizona, where Griner’s WNBA team Phoenix Mercury plays, as well as Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden from Oregon and Republican Sen. John Cornyn from Texas, home of Griner’s alma mater, Baylor University.

“I have worked with the State Department to ensure that Brittney Griner’s safe return is a top priority, and this bipartisan resolution also demonstrates the Senate’s support for her. Brittney Griner is an inspiration to Arizonans and Americans across the country. I had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing her talent up close on the pitch. The Russian government wrongfully detained Brittney and we will continue to work with the administration to ensure her safe and speedy return,” Kelly said in a statement Thursday.

“Arizonanes have love and admiration for Brittney Griner, both on and off the court,” Sinema said. “The State Department has determined that Brittney was wrongly detained – it’s high time she came home.”

Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport on February 17 while traveling back to Russia to finish her season with UMMC Ekaterinburg, for whom she plays in the WNBA’s off-season.

She has been accused of carrying cannabis oil in her luggage and faces up to 10 years in prison for drug-related offences.

After her trial began earlier this month, Griner pleaded guilty to the charges but said she had no intention of breaking the law.

Griner’s detention shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine is widely believed to be politically motivated. In May, the US State Department again classified Griner as “wrongly detained.”

Russia has hinted lately that it could seek a prisoner swap between Griner and Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who is serving a 25-year federal sentence in the US

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, is facing mounting pressure to bring Griner home.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, earlier this month after Brittney Griner sent a letter to the president.

“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any accomplishments, I fear that I may be here forever,” Griner wrote in the letter.

“I realize you’re involved with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American inmates,” Griner continued. “Please do everything you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore it. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I’m grateful for anything you can do at this moment to bring me home.”