Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle has thanked President Joe Biden for his tireless work in bringing home her partner from Russia.
Griner is spending her 32nd birthday behind Russian bars, marking her 243rd day since she was detained.
The basketballer was arrested eight months ago and has since been sentenced to nine years in prison.
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She had been carrying a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil into the country, although she maintains she had no intention of breaking the law.
It has been eight long months for Cherelle Griner who remains hopeful that Biden and the US government will secure a return back home.
In a video made as part of the ‘WeAreBG’ campaign, Cherelle revealed her heartbreak.
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She said: “I’ve felt every moment of the gruelling seven months without her.
“I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release.
“As my family and I continue on this journey, I’d like to thank our friends, leaders and supporters who continue to stand with us.
“And advocate for Brittney’s swift and safe return.”
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She then ended with a message of hope for all Americans who had wrongfully been detained overseas.
She added: “Let’s share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones.”
The ‘WeAreBG’ campaign has gone viral online, committed to the idea that work must be done to bring home all Americans.
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Over 300,000 people so far have signed a petition to do what is necessary to get a deal done to bring Brittney and other Americans back safely.
Earlier this year, Cherelle Griner revealed to TMZ the mental anguish her wife is currently suffering.
She admitted that Brittney had told her, ‘I feel like my life just doesn’t matter’.
She said: "BG's at her absolute weakest moment in life right now.
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"She's very afraid about being left and forgotten in Russia. Or just completely used to the point of her detriment."
Joe Biden had called on Russia to release Brittney Griner ‘immediately’ following her conviction and sentencing.
He said in a statement: “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.
"It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates."
Topics: US Sports, Basketball, NBA
Jayden Collins