Journalist, Who Was Imprisoned for 500 Days in Iran, Lashes Out at Silent Witnesses of Brittney Griner’s Travesty: “You’re Doing Your Loved One a Disservice”

Published 09/18/2022, 12:30 PM EDT

It’s been over 200 days since Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia. Despite negotiations, there is still no clear info on her release. And her friends and family members have been calling for her release and supporting her for a long time. But there are a few who have chosen to remain silent so far. And a prominent journalist, who faced a similar ordeal in Iran, lashed out at such people.

There have been mixed reactions to BG’s arrest. While most of them have come out in support of her, there are a few who have said that she deserved it. However, her family, friends, teammates, and the WNBA have been calling for her release for a long time now.

Article continues below this ad

But some have questioned if raising their voices is even helpful in such scenarios.

Journalist says it’s better to speak out than be silent on the Brittney Griner situation

However, not everyone is of that mindset. A journalist named Jason Rezaian for the Washington Post faced a similar situation when he was imprisoned in Iran for 500 days. And he suggests not speaking up is a huge disservice to your loved ones.

Brittney Griner, in Jail for 210 Days, Receives Heart-Warming Support From Legendary Tennis Icon: ‘Wrongfully Detained in Russia’

Article continues below this ad

“I always advise people to come out forcefully and openly when it happens,” Rezaian told the New Yorker. “I am not going to blame anyone for not being more assertive about it quickly. But anyone who asks me, I’m going to tell you bluntly you’re doing your loved one a disservice by staying quiet.”

For a long time, only Griner’s loved ones, friends, and colleagues have made their voices known. Despite the Biden administration’s promise to swiftly broker a deal to bring the Phoenix Mercury star home, the diplomatic procedure has been painstakingly slow.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: When did Bill Russell retire?

But there is hope for Griner and her loved ones. A few months ago, it was reported that the US Secretary of state, Anthony Blinken had a conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about the potential release of Griner. Reports suggest that the United States have offered a prisoner swap deal for Russia and talks have been going on. And there has been a lot of support garnered for Griner in the past few months. And that was possible when her loved ones came out and spoke for her.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Vishwesha Kumar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Holder of a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Vishwesha has been writing content for about 3 years now. He has been following the NBA for nearly 10 years, since first starting off in the year 2012.

Journalist, Who Was Imprisoned for 500 Days in Iran, Lashes Out at Silent Witnesses of Brittney Griner’s Travesty: “You’re Doing Your Loved One a Disservice”

Journalist says it’s better to speak out than be silent on the Brittney Griner situation

Trending

“Kissing & Hugging Too Much”: Charles Barkley Claims Michael Jordan Had No Friends, Warns Anthony Edwards of Tough Future

Focused on 1 Skill Before WNBA Debut, Caitlin Clark Reflects on Chemistry With Indiana Fever Teammates

Caitlin Clark Reflects on 1 Vital Virtue for Indiana Fever Before Her WNBA Debut

Carmelo Anthony Catches Ex-Wife La La’s Attention While Aboard Son Kiyan’s Hype Train

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers