PHOENIX (CN) — Fans gathered in downtown Phoenix Wednesday for a rally in support of WNBA star Brittney Griner and her safe release from Russian detainment.
The 31-year-old was arrested in February for allegedly transporting two hashish [concentrated cannabis] oil cartridges into Russia. She is charged with intentionally transporting narcotics; if found guilty, she could face five to 10 years in prison. Griner is an Arizona resident, where cannabis products are recreationally legal.
Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, was the featured speaker at the rally.
“I’m frustrated that 140 days have passed,” she said. “I’m frustrated that my wife is not going to get justice. I know you all are frustrated too. That’s why you’re here. It easily could be any one of us. So tonight, ask for your help in continuing to fight for [Brittney’s] safe and quick return home.”
U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, the former mayor of Phoenix, spoke at the rally. He said the House stands behind bringing Brittany home and the administration should do everything possible to bring that to fruition.
“In Congress, I introduced a bipartisan resolution demanding her immediate release and [demanding] support for every effort of government work towards that goal,” he said. “On June 25, that resolution passed the United States House of Representatives. That’s important.”
Stanton continued by insisting inaction is not a reasonable approach to Griner’s situation.
“She has been a prisoner of the Russian government for 139 days, and she’s being tried in an unjust legal system,” he said. “The outcome of the trial is a foregone conclusion. They’ll take full advantage of the fact that she is one of the most recognized recognizable athletes in the world. They’re not going to treat her fairly or let her go.”
Former WNBA star Imani McGee Stafford was critical of the Biden administration in her remarks.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris both ran on a platform of both uplifting and protecting Black people,” she said. “It’s been two years … it’s a typical moment to show a follow-through for a platform that was pandering to us.”
The attendees applauded following her criticism of the administration before Stafford resumed.
“When we first found out they asked us to keep quiet,” she continued. “So we did. We tried to make this not a political issue, then they said it was now time to speak up … we will continue to do so. She is not a figurehead. She’s a real person. Who deserves so much more. Her story is our story. Her safety is our safety.”
Others close to Griner have also been openly critical of the Biden administration. Phoenix Mercury’s head coach Vanessa Nygaard reportedly told USA Today the inaction stems from indifference about her demographic.
"If it was LeBron, he'd be home," she said. "It's a statement about the value of women. It's a statement about the value of a Black person. It's a statement about the value of a gay person. All of those things. We know it, and so that's what hurts a little more."
Increased pressure on Biden mounted in June after the Biden administration reportedly fumbled a scheduled call from Griner after months of silence.
Earlier in the day, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Griner’s wife to assure her that he is working towards an equitable solution.
“The president offered his support to Cherelle and Brittney’s family, and he committed to ensuring they are provided with all possible assistance while his administration pursues every avenue to bring Brittney home,” the White House published in a statement.
According to The Washington Post, imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” may be a bargaining chip to garner the release of Griner.
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