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US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
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US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
WNBA star Brittney Griner is in the process of relocation to a Russian penal colony where she would be serving out her nine-year sentence. The penal colonies are believed to have been inspired by the Soviet era Gulag System, infamous for inhumane conditions and forced labor. Griner is on her way to one such penal colony somewhere in Russia.? It would be weeks before her lawyers or any US diplomats get access to her. However, there is one thing that can save Griner from the infamous mistreatment of Russian prison guards, and NBA superstars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James might play a massive role in it.
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Recently, a former penal colony captive Maria Alyokhina gave an insight into what Brittney Griner could expect in a Russian prison while speaking from her experience. She also suggested a way that could save Griner from the maltreatment and abuse of prison guards in Russia. Alyokhina is a member of the popular feminist collective group Pussy Riot. She spent about two years in the Ural mountains penal colony.
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Alyokhina talked about the difference between Russian & American prisons and what Griner could face during her imprisonment in Russia. Moreover, the female rights activist reckoned that BG was unlikely to receive special treatment as her citizenship did not matter.
How can Brittney Griner protect herself against torture?
Alyokhina claimed to have lodged complaints against the prison authorities, resulting in the dismissal of eight guards for prison abuse. Thus, Griner could face torture from the Russian prison guards. However, Alyokhina revealed a way that could help Brittney Griner protect herself. She shared that constant public attention helped her and her jail mates to get leverage over prison authorities.
Moreover, Maria Alyokhina said, “When they see the person is not forgotten, they start to be much more polite. This gives hope and protection.”
The former penal colony captive laid out that constant chatter and attention to Brittney Griner’s treatment in Russia could be a crucial factor in helping her avoid torture by prison guards.
Support from Steph Curry and others can help Griner’s safety
The WNBA and the NBA have been extremely vocal about Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia. NBA superstar Stephen Curry could help bring the right kind of attention to the matter. Curry has spoken in favor of Griner’s return on several occasions. He called on the NBA fans to pray and support BG during his ring presentation speech ahead of the season-opener game. This kind of attention and publicity from the reigning 2022 Finals MVP could provide some leeway to Griner in her labor camp.
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It seems like taking a public stand on a major scale would make a significant impact. Thus, a united front from players, celebrities, and fans could be crucial for BG’s freedom.
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Edited by
Satagni Sikder