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La giocatrice dei Phoenix Mercury Brittney Griner è stata detenuta in Russia per 294 giorni dopo essere stata arrestata per contrabbando di cannabis nel paese. “Ho il terrore di poter essere qui per sempre”, ha detto il giocatore di basket in una lettera al presidente Joe Biden ottenuta da The Guardian. Ha spiegato che le mancano la sua famiglia e la sua casa durante il 4 luglio. “Per favore, non dimenticarti di me e degli altri detenuti americani”, ha aggiunto. “Per favore, fai tutto il possibile per riportarci a casa.”
On August 4, it was reported that a Russian court sentenced the WNBA player to nine years in prison. “[Griner is] very upset, very stressed,” her defense attorney, Maria Blagovolina, told ESPN following the sentencing. “She can hardly talk. It’s a difficult time for her.” The defense team also stated that they planned to appeal.
And on November 9, it was reported that Griner was being transferred to a penal colony. This announcement sparked more concern, as Russian penal colonies are known for their poor living conditions and for operating like a labor camp, per CNN. On December 8, Griner was freed in a prison swap, and there has been one thing on her mind since her release — basketball.
Brittney Griner announces she’s returning to the basketball court
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