Trevor Reed calls for Brittney Griner’s release as he details horrendous conditions of Russian detainment
The two-time Olympic gold medalist was arrested in February at a Moscow airport and will remain in pretrial detention until at least June 18, according to Russian state media. Russian authorities claimed to have found cannabis oil in Griner’s luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Joining supporters at a rally for Griner in Houston Monday, Reed said Griner is likely to face even greater challenges behind bars in Russia than himself or fellow American detainee “There is no justice in Russia,” he said. “Brittney and Paul will not receive justice in Russia. They’re not going to receive a fair trial, they will not receive a fair investigation. They will be there as hostages until the United States gets them out.”At the rally, Reed described the conditions of Russian prison as The SPEHA office was credited by Reed’s family as instrumental in getting Reed home after he was Reed’s release was the result of “months and months of hard careful work across the US government” on the matter, a senior administration official said, noting that “the conversations on this particular issue have accelerated recently to get us to this point.”A State Department spokesman told CNN in April that the Griner and Whelan cases remain top priorities for the US.Public appeals for Griner’s expedited release continue to grow. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association recently marked the 100th day of Griner’s detention in Russia.”To everyone listening: go to WeAreBG.org and sign the petition, call the White House and call everyone you know. If you know anyone in the Biden administration, CALL THEM,” the association said in a statement.Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said on social media Sunday, “We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!! Our voice as athletes is stronger together.”CNN’s Kevin Dotson, Jacqueline Rose, Jennifer Hansler, Maegan Vazquez and Brian Todd contributed to this report.
