Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner has been sent to one of the harshest penal colonies in Russia. On the 25th of October, the Russian judiciary upheld its previous decision and sentenced Griner to nine years in prison. Shortly after, the basketball star was transferred to a penal colony known for its inhumane conditions.
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During a recent interview, an ex-inmate, who was housed in a similar prison spoke out about the harsh conditions in penal colonies. Talking about the conditions awaiting BG, Nadia Tolokonnikova, founding member of infamous feminist activist group Pussy Riot, revealed spine-chilling details about the prison.
Ex-inmate reveals devastating details of the prison where Brittney Griner will serve
Brittney Griner has been in exile for a long time. Officials arrested her in February and she underwent a long legal under charges of carrying illegal drugs.
After weeks of speculation surrounding her location, Griner’s family finally had some clarity. Recent reports have confirmed that Griner will be serving in the IK-2 penal colony in Mordovia.
The prison is infamous for its harsh conditions and inhumane treatment of inmates. Long working hours, hostile inmates, and abuse by guards are common. Talking about her experience, ex-inmate Nadia Tolokonnikova provided some insight about the ordeal waiting Griner.
She said, “You never know when you’re going to get attacked…. I was just thrown to places just like a sack of potatoes without them asking me if I wanna go to those places. They dragged me by my hair.“
The IK-2 prison is part of a vast network of penal colonies in Mordovia, located around 300 miles east of Moscow. Sociologist Olga Zeveleva described the prison as “a place any prisoner wants to avoid.” Griner is set to serve nine years in prison unless U.S. officials can negotiate a prisoner swap deal.
Russian officials hope to reach a deal
Amidst the wave of bad news coming in, Brittney Griner and her family finally have some hope. According to latest reports, Russian officials are hopeful to reach a deal.
“I want to hope that the prospect not only remains but is being strengthened, and that the moment will come when we will get a concrete agreement“, said the Russian deputy foreign minister.
In case the officials negotiate a deal, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout will be sent to Russia. On the other hand, Griner and potentially Paul Whelan, a former Marine will come back home.
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