On Wednesday it was announced that Marine veteran Trevor Reed was released from Russia after the U.S. orchestrated an exchange, which allowed him to be released after almost three years. However, folks have taken to social media to question when will Brittney Griner be released after being detained in February.
According to AP News, on Wednesday, both Russia and the U.S. announced the exchange that involved Reed and a convicted Russian drug trafficker who was serving a long prison sentence in Connecticut. The Russian foreign ministry said the exchange was the “result of a long negotiation process.”
Although one American has been returned, people are still screaming #FreeBrittneyGriner as the WNBA season quickly approaches, and she still remains in Russian custody.
We ask if Brittney Griner is next? Logical question https://t.co/bItq0LjB2G
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) April 27, 2022
Huge news. Now let's get Brittney Griner home. The time is now, in advance of her May 18th court date, to raise the volume and put this on the front burner. https://t.co/xn6QdMvpRr
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) April 27, 2022
As previously reported, she was detained back in February after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage. Many people expressed their concern for her well-being as the war between Russia and Ukraine intensified, and the U.S. shared its support for Ukraine. The U.S embassy shared an update on her condition and said they found her to be “in good condition.”
Last month, a Russian court ruled that Brittney will remain in custody until May stating,
“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19.”
Trevor Reed was arrested in Russia back in 2019 after authorities claimed he assaulted an officer while being driven to the police station after heavily drinking. Although he and his family maintained his innocence, he was sentenced to nine years in prison.
On Wednesday, Joe Biden tweeted about Reed’s return and said,
I’m grateful for the work of many across our government. Trevor’s safe return is a testament to the priority we place on bringing home Americans held hostage and wrongfully detained abroad.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 27, 2022
In exchange for his return, the U.S. released Konstantin Yaroshenko, a pilot who received a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after being arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the U.S.
As many people continue to wait for Brittney Griner’s return, Phoneix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard expressed the organization’s concern. According to ESPN, last week she said,
“It’s tough. We all are concerned about her. It is something that we think about, and we pray to make sure that she is safe and that she comes home quickly.”
We’ll continue to keep you informed as more updates become available.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
