Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner has the whole world divided on opinions. While some feel her arrest was unfair, some feel the officials were right in arresting her. She was detained earlier this year in Russia after airport officials found illegal substances in her luggage.
Numerous people across the world have termed her arrest as a political move. With tensions between the United States of America and Russia rising, people feel she will be used to Russia’s advantage.
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According to a hostage negotiations expert, only one man can decide the fate of Griner. It is none other than Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“He could point at her and say she’s going home tomorrow. But the fact is, they wanna make their system look legitimate at all costs. So if they just suddenly trade somebody before they’re even sentenced, it’s too transparent“, said Jonathan Franks.
He is not the first person to point out the political aspect of Griner’s arrest. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also termed it as a political move while talking on The Big Podcast with Shaq. “I believe there is a lot of politics involved, and also, bad timing”, said Shaq.
Brittney Griner facing horrid living conditions in prison
It has been well over 200 days since Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia. Despite the officials trying their best to find a solution, negotiations have been tough and slow.
Recently, the court upheld its decision in sentencing Griner to nine years in prison. With Griner’s only hope now the prisoner swap deal, her chances of returning are decreasing day by day.
Living conditions in prison are not favorable at all for the Phoenix Mercury star. A 2021 report on Russian human rights abuses revealed what the inmates spending their sentences in Russia have to go through almost everyday.
The report said, “Overcrowding, abuse by guards and inmates, limited access to health care, food shortages, and inadequate sanitation were common in prisons, penal colonies, and other detention facilities.”
With Griner’s mental and physical health already deteriorating, officials need to find a solution fast in order to ensure a safe return for Brittney Griner.
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