Update: Brittney Griner Transferred To A Russian Penal Colony, No New Info On Her Whereabouts For Two Weeks

Brittney Griner

Update: Brittney Griner Transferred To A Russian Penal Colony, No New Info On Her Whereabouts For Two Weeks

Update: (Nov. 17, 2022): According to new reports, WNBA star Brittney Griner has been taken to a penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia.

Russian authorities have given no new information on her whereabouts for nearly two weeks. However, an insider claims she was transferred to Female Penal Colony IK-2 in Yavas, about 500 km (300 miles) southeast of Moscow. This is reportedly the same region where American Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence in a different penal settlement after being convicted of espionage charges that he denies.

Allegedly, inmates of Russian penal colonies are required to work long hours for inadequate pay. A U.S. State Department spokesperson released a statement on Brittney Griner’s latest transfer and said,

“We are aware of reports of her location, and in frequent contact with Ms. Griner’s legal team. However, the Russian Federation has still failed to provide any official notification for such a move of a U.S. citizen, which we strongly protest. The Embassy has continued to press for more information about her transfer and current location.”

 

Original Story: (Nov. 9, 2022): There have been concerning updates involving Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia.

According to sources, Brittney Griner has been transferred to a Russian forced labor camp. Authorities made this change nine months after the WNBA star was arrested by Russian authorities on drug smuggling charges.

Brittney Griner

This development comes after Brittney Griner’s appeal of her nine-year sentence was terminated by a Russian court last month. Condemning the move, The White House released a statement on Wednesday (Nov. 9):

“Every minute that Brittney Griner must endure wrongful detention in Russia is a minute too long.” 

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre continued in the statement: 

“As the Administration continues to work tirelessly to secure her release, the President has directed the Administration to prevail on her Russian captors to improve her treatment and the conditions she may be forced to endure in a penal colony.”

The statement concluded:

“The U.S. Government is unwavering in its commitment to its work on behalf of Brittney and other Americans detained in Russia – including fellow wrongful detainee Paul Whelan.” 

Brittney Griner & Wife Cherelle Griner

The forced labor camp will allegedly have Griner in harsh conditions making it difficult for her family to contact her or know her exact location. The basketball player’s agent, Lindsay Colas, claims the Phoenix Mercury player’s team is in close contact with the U.S. government and the Richardson Center, an organization that operates to release American detainees. On Wednesday (Nov. 7) Lindsay Colas said:

“Our primary concern continues to be BG’s [Brittney Griner’s] health and well-being.” 

She added:

“As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public’s support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her.” 

As previously reported, Griner was visiting Russia to star in a game during the WNBA offseason when cannabis oil was discovered in her luggage while in a Russian airport. Griner, who celebrated her 32nd birthday last month, said from prison:

“Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me.” 

Brittney Griner

What are your thoughts on Brittney Griner being moved to a Russian forced labor camp? Share it with us in the comments below.

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Authored by: Tsai-Ann Hill