This week, WNBA athlete Brittney Griner, who has been held in custody since February 17 and was given a nine-year prison term in a Russian correctional facility, was set free as part of a prisoner swap between the two countries. She had been convicted of drug offenses.
In May, the United States categorized Griner as “unjustly imprisoned” and has been making efforts for several months to ensure her release.
Under an agreement with the United States, Russia exchanged Griner for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who had been convicted.
Here’s a retrospective of Griner’s trial and significant advancements in her case.
Feb. 17.
Griner, a professional basketball player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a 31-year-old Houston native, is facing accusations of possessing vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is prohibited in Russia. She was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki while returning to Russia to play during the WNBA’s off-season.
Feb. 24.
Russia attacks Ukraine, initiating airstrikes on urban areas and military installations.
March 16.
President Joe Biden, amidst a State Department review of whether the U.S. Deems Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians a war crime, imposes a series of fresh sanctions on Russia and declares Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal” during a press conference at the White House.
March 17.
The pre-trial detention of star WNBA player Griner in Russia has been extended until May 19. This extension comes during a volatile time for U.S.-Russian relations, as President Vladimir Putin escalates attacks on Ukraine. Concerns over Griner’s well-being are growing in the United States.
March 18.
The U.S. State Department has issued a statement demanding that the Russian government grant consular access to all American citizen detainees in Russia, including those who are currently in pre-trial detention, just like they have done for Brittney Griner. The State Department assures that they are actively involved in this case and maintain regular communication with Brittney Griner’s legal team.
March 23.
Griner meets with U.S. Officials for the initial occasion since being detained in pre-trial custody in Russia for more than a month.
Journalists were informed by Ned Price, the spokesperson for the State Department, that the consular official who met with Brittney Griner confirmed that she is coping as best as one can expect given the extremely challenging circumstances.
In Ukraine, the Department of State has conducted an official evaluation, declaring that Russian military units have perpetrated acts of aggression, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken reveals Griner’s encounter.
Blinken stated, “Our evaluation is founded on a meticulous examination of accessible data from public and intelligence sources.” The United States government evaluates that individuals from Russia’s military have perpetrated acts of war crimes in Ukraine, relying on the presently accessible information.
April 27.
Former Marine Paul Whelan, who has been held in Russia since 2019, is also among those detained. U.S. Marine veteran Trevor Reed, who was released from a Russian prison on April 27 as part of a prisoner exchange, joins the growing chorus of voices calling for the freedom of Whelan and other American prisoners.
May 3.
The U.S. State Department declares that Griner’s case has been labeled as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. Government in Russia. The U.S. Now faces a more complex task of negotiating for her release instead of relying on the Russian legal system to handle her case.
May 6.
The 2022 campaign commenced as the WNBA pays tribute to Griner with a court decal displaying her initials and jersey number (42) on the sideline of every one of the 12 WNBA franchises.
May 13.
Russia prolongs Griner’s pre-trial custody until June 18 while the United States strives to ensure her liberation.
May 25.
Joe Biden, the President, urges Robin Roberts, the co-anchor of “Good Morning America,” to speak with Cherelle Griner, the wife of Griner, about everything he can do to bring her home.
Cherelle Griner says that her wife texted her when she was first taken into custody, but Brittney’s phone is taken soon after.
She says she is “grateful” for a call from Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, but would also like to speak with Biden.
She said, “Do you want me to do something then? Do they want to do something because they are holding her? She’s a political pawn. He has the power, you know, so I just want to keep hearing that.”
June 8.
As the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2022 NBA finals, players are drawing attention to Griner’s situation.
ESPN informs the point guard of the Warriors, Steph Curry, that “It is crucial for her to be with her family, it is essential for her to be secure, it is important for her to be at home.”
June 14.
A Russian court extends Griner’s pre-trial detention for a third time, and says that she will remain in custody until July 2.
June 20.
During the weekend, there was no personnel available at the embassy, thus causing the cancellation of a scheduled anniversary conversation between the couple. According to Cherelle Griner’s statement to The Associated Press, she has now developed a lack of “faith” in the U.S. Government.
“I was devastated. I was injured. I was finished, fed up,” Cherelle Griner expressed.
ABC News was informed by a spokesperson from the State Department that the conversation will be rescheduled for a future date, expressing sincere apologies for the fact that Brittney Griner was unable to communicate with her spouse due to a logistical mistake.
June 27.
Griner attends a preliminary hearing as her first day of trial is set for July 1, and her detention time is extended for the fourth time.
June 30.
Loved ones and relatives of Griner come together for a vigil outside the Russian Consulate in New York City.
July 1.
Griner’s court case commences in Russia.
July 4.
On July 4th, Griner personally contacts President Biden through a handwritten letter, pleading for his assistance in securing her release from Russian detention.
Griner penned a letter to the president expressing her fear of potentially enduring an indefinite period in this Russian penitentiary, where she currently resides, isolated with her contemplations and lacking the support of her spouse, relatives, companions, Olympic uniform, or any achievements.
July 5.
During a briefing with reporters, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Griner considers the president’s case a matter of utmost importance, and Biden personally reviewed a letter written by her.
July 6.
The White House declared that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris contacted Cherelle Griner to “provide assurance” that they are making efforts to ensure the release of her spouse.
July 7.
By mistake, Griner mistakenly packed the cartridges and stated that she had “no desire” to violate Russian law. Unintentionally, she had the vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her baggage and admitted her guilt on drug charges.
During the hearing, U.S. Officials at the trial delivered a response letter from Biden to Griner, as confirmed by the State Department.
July 8.
Cherelle Griner voices her opinions at a press briefing.
Griner Cherelle expressed, “The letter she received was her biggest cry, and he hasn’t forgotten about her. He sees her and comprehends her. She told him that she believes every word he said.” With much joy, she shared that it brought happiness to both of them. Biden wrote a letter to his wife, which she read and conveyed the message.
July 14.
Character testimonies testify in Griner’s trial as the United States strives to ensure her liberation.
July 15.
Her testimony is postponed, but Griner is anticipated to give her testimony. Granting Griner authorization to utilize marijuana to alleviate persistent agony, her lawyer submits a letter from a doctor in the United States. Griner shows up for the fourth day of her trial, where her attorney presents a letter from an American doctor.
July 26.
“Best of luck on the bar examination,” Griner expressed. Griner goes back to the courtroom, where she has a brief conversation with ABC News and conveys a message for her partner, Cherelle, who recently completed her studies at law school.
July 27.
In the United States, she utilized a certificate to purchase medicinal marijuana and was granted authorization to utilize it. She mentions that she was under pressure and in a rush following her recovery from COVID-19 during that particular month, however, she did not intend to inadvertently forget the vape cartridges in her bag. Griner provides testimony in the courtroom, affirming that she did not have any intention of leaving the vape cartridges in her bag.
In a surprising turnaround, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that he would engage in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov “in the near future” to address the issue of securing Griner and Whelan’s release.
“We presented a significant proposition on the table weeks ago to facilitate their liberation,” he stated.
July 29.
Griner and Whelan’s liberty, in exchange for swapping convicted weapons merchant Viktor Bout, a U.S. Proposition that Blinken informs journalists he had a “candid and straightforward discussion” with Lavrov concerning.
Blinken stated, “Regarding that matter, I cannot give you an assessment of whether I think it is important or not, and I am not going to characterize his responses. Griner and Whelan Paul, I urged the Kremlin to accept the substantial proposal that we put forth in their release.”
Aug. 4.
Griner is convicted of drug charges and given a nine-year prison sentence as her trial comes to a close.
Griner’s legal representatives Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov informed journalists outside the Moscow courthouse on Thursday that they intend to submit a plea for reconsideration.
Biden criticized Russia in a statement and urged them to “free her immediately.”
“He said that My administration will tirelessly work to bring Whelan Paul and Brittney home to avenue as soon as possible, safely and in every possible way.”
Aug. 14.
A senior Russian official verifies that negotiations for exchange are currently taking place between the United States and Russia.
The head of the North American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Darchiev, informed the TASS news agency that “these individuals are indeed being discussed. The sensitive issue of swapping convicted US and Russian citizens is being discussed through channels defined by our Presidents. The details should be left to professionals, ensuring that no harm is done. The Russian side has long been seeking the release of Viktor Bout.”
Aug. 15.
According to Blagovolina, Griner’s lawyers submit a plea for her nine-year incarceration.
Oct. 25.
“A Russian judge rejected Griner’s appeal. Griner’s nine-year prison sentence appeal was denied just half an hour after her video appeared via appeal. Here, in the first court that overlooked all the stakes, my sentence reassess and court.”
Griner expressed remorse, stating, “I would like to offer my apologies for this error.” Griner acknowledged, “My intentions did not involve engaging in such actions, but I comprehend the accusations leveled against me.” [Being separated from my loved ones] has caused immense stress and emotional distress.
Nov. 9.
Concerns regarding her welfare were brought up, initially her whereabouts were not publicly known but Griner was relocated to a correctional facility to complete her punishment.
After Griner was relocated, Biden informed ABC News, “That is my purpose. My aspiration is that now that the election is concluded, that Mr. Putin will have the capability to converse with us and be prepared to engage in a more earnest discussion regarding the exchange of prisoners.”
Nov. 10.
According to Sullivan, U.S. Officials at the American embassy in Moscow are closely monitoring Brittney Griner’s situation, whereabouts, and the treatment she is receiving from the Russian government. It is imperative that she is released promptly as she is being detained unfairly.
Nov. 17.
Griner’s lawyers disclosed her whereabouts, stating that the WNBA superstar was relocated to a correctional facility called IK-2 in the Russian province of Mordovia.
Nov. 18.
As per Russian media, Sergei Ryabkov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, mentioned that there is a possibility of exchanging prisoners with the United States.
Ryabkov stated, “We definitely anticipate a favorable outcome and Viktor Bout is one of the individuals under consideration.” “By utilizing a dedicated communication channel for this purpose, we are engaging in a proficient manner,” the Americans are demonstrating some outward engagement.
Nov. 28.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Russia Elizabeth Rood told reporters the WNBA star has not complained about the conditions in the Russian colony.
Rood stated, “Considering her challenging situation, she is in good health and feels as well as can be anticipated given our interactions with her, to the best of our understanding.”
Dec. 8.
After lengthy discussions, the United States announced that Griner had been freed as a component of a prisoner swap with Viktor Bout, a Russian weapons merchant.
The President, joined by Vice President Biden, told reporters at the White House that he thanked those who tirelessly worked on the intense and painstaking negotiations involved in releasing Griner’s wife, ensuring her secure release.
Biden stated, “She is entitled to personal space, privacy, and a period of time with her close ones to recuperate and mend from her unjustifiable confinement.” “She is grateful to be finally returning home, and it is undeniable that she has endured months of her life being taken away and undergone an unnecessary distress.”