Wednesday 8 June 2022 06:07 AM Trevor Reed calls on Biden administration to increase efforts to release WNBA ... trends now
Former US Marine Trevor Reed called on the Biden administration this week to ramp up efforts to release WNBA star Brittney Griner and other 'wrongfully detained' American prisoners while describing his own 'nightmare' prison experience before he was freed last month.
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, 31, was arrested at the Moscow airport on February 18 on drug charges when Russia authorities say she allegedly brought vape cartridges containing hash oil, which is illegal in Russia, into the country.
Griner was in Russia to play for UMMC Yekaterinburg on a reported $1million contract, but could now face up to 10 years in a labor camp for drug smuggling charges.
Reed also called on the US to do more to bring home fellow American detainee Paul Whelan, who was accused of spying in 2018 and was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison.
'We need to all speak out for these Americans, because every single one of us is an American,' Reed said.
Reed, who was released in exchange for a drug trafficker, joined supporters at a rally for Griner in Houston on Monday where he described prison conditions as 'completely inhospitable,' with rotten food and a lack of medical care.
'Every day that you're in prison there, it's like you're waking up to a nightmare,' he said.
'There is no justice in Russia,' Reed 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.'
Former US Marine Trevor Reed is calling on the Biden administration to increase efforts to release WNBA star Brittney Griner from detention in Russia
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Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, 31, was arrested at the Moscow airport on February 18 on drug charges when Russia authorities say she allegedly brought hash oil into the country
Reed said Griner would likely face harsher conditions and greater challenges than what he or fellow American prisoner Paul Whelan experienced because the country 'systematically discriminates' against individuals who are Black or LGBTQ, he said.
Reed told supporters at the rally on Monday that they should contact lawmakers to bring Griner and Whelan home, along with other detained Americans.
'Write them, call them, annoy them, don't leave them alone,' Reed said. 'Tell them you want Brittney home and you want the rest of the Americans who are being wrongfully detained home, and you want it done now.'
Basketball star LeBron James was the latest big name to call on the Biden administration to bring Griner home 'swiftly and safely.'
Reed, who was detained in 2019 and accused of assaulting police officers, stands inside a defendants' cage during a court hearing in Moscow, Russia July 30, 2020. He was freed in April 2022 in exchange for a drug trafficker
Griner (pictured leaving court in Moscow in May) would likely face harsher conditions and greater challenges than what Reed experienced because the country 'systematically discriminates' against individuals who are Black or LGBTQ, he said
Last weekend, some members of the Boston Celtics used their platform at the NBA´s title series to add their voices to the chorus of those demanding Griner be allowed to come home.
Several players wore black T-shirts with 'We Are BG' on the front in orange letters for their practice session at the NBA Finals on Saturday.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the U.S., faces drug smuggling charges that carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
'It's been now over 100 days since she's been illegally held in Russia,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. 'I think it's something that all of us should be heard on, contacting your representatives and others. I will only say we are working in lockstep with the U.S. government and outside experts on trying to expedite her release in any way we can. Certainly our hearts go out to her
