A person’s birthday is usually a reason for celebration, but that’s probably not the case when you’re spending your birthday locked up in a Russian prison in what is effectively a hostage situation after a trial that was largely considered a political sham. But that’s exactly what’s happening to WNBA superstar Brittney Griner on Tuesday.
Brittney Griner turns 32 years old on Tuesday, but she won’t be able to celebrate with her friends or family as she continues to be unlawfully detained after she was found guilty of drug charges and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Despite the ongoing he ongoing negotiations between United States President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Griner remains in a Russian prison on her birthday. And the world had plenty to say about it.
Today and every day, don't forget about Britney Griner. https://t.co/I5eTtD9Nta
— Nicole Melleby (@LadyMelleby) October 18, 2022
Happy Birthday Brittney Griner, we will not forget about you and we will not stop fighting for you. The W won’t be the same until you’re home 🧡 #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/J5sO2EkGLL
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 18, 2022
#FreeBG https://t.co/JPzUDvFjlO
— Jesse Washington (@jessewashington) October 18, 2022
Today is Brittney Griner’s 32nd birthday. She’s spending it in a Russian jail, 8 months after her detainment in Moscow.
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) October 18, 2022
Today and every day, don't forget about Britney Griner. https://t.co/I5eTtD9Nta
— Nicole Melleby (@LadyMelleby) October 18, 2022
Reiterating my take that I really don’t care if it takes giving up every single Russian in American custody to get Brittney Griner back.
Just do it.
And get any other Americans stuck there back as well. https://t.co/DSrbwUYqmJ
— Danny (@Danny_Funaro) October 18, 2022
The United States and Russia appear to be trying to work out a potential prisoner swap between the two countries that would send Griner home in return for Russian arms dealer Victor Bout.
There initially seemed to be some optimism and hope that Griner could be released soon, with some hoping for a deal before Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing begins on October 25. After that hearing, it’s possible Griner is sent to a labor camp, which her wife Cherelle Griner isn’t sure Brittney Griner can survive.
However, a Russian aid recently revealed that negotiating Griner’s release is not a priority for Russia.
