Twitter reactions to Brittney Griner’s 32nd birthday and eight months of detention in Russia
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has celebrated her 32nd birthday in a Russian jail. She has already been detained in the country for eight months.
WNBA star center Brittney Griner has just turned 32, and she celebrated her birthday in a Russian prison instead of at home with her loved ones. She has been detained in the country for eight months, and it looks like Russia has no intention to free her in the immediate future.
Griner released a statement through her lawyers, who met with her to pass on birthday greetings from many well-wishers.
“Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me,” said Griner in the statement.
Supporters launch #WeAreBG campaign
Advocates for the athlete are trying to drum up support to ask for her return to the US via a campaign using #WeAreBG.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist had played for a Russian team, and was detained by airport authorities at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 when she entered the country after they found cannabis oil in her possession.
She said she had not meant to break the law when she brought the cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her luggage.
Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges, and was convicted for narcotics possession and trafficking, a verdict that US President Joe Biden called “unacceptable”.
A number of the Phoenix Mercury standout’s supporters, including fellow athletes, took to Twitter to greet her and ask for her release.