-Avier Wanjou-Brass-

Cousins!

It has been 75 days since Brittney Griner was taken into Russian custody. In recent updates, U.S. officials believe the WNBA player was “wrongfully detained by the Russian government.”

According to NBC News, the recent shift in Brittney’s case was first reported by ESPN, the change in classification means her case will be handled by a special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Rodger Carstens. In coordination with the State Department’s Office of Consular Affairs, the new classification will be aggressive in securing her release from Russia.

Sources confirm that the center star of the Phoenix Mercury basketball team, was arrested in February on drug charges after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were found in her luggage at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. Russian officials said Griner’s detention was extended until May 19 back in March.

A source associated with the basketball player says that Brittney is doing OK and that she meets with her Russian legal team multiple times a week.

The U.S. State Department says it will “undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner.”

A department spokesperson said in a forwarded statement, “The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is among the highest priorities of the U.S. Government.”

U.S. detainees overseas are classified whether they are detained wrongfully or unlawfully through the State Department under the 2020 Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. Carstens office handles these cases that follow under this category.

If convicted, Griner could face up to 10 years in prison.

Safe to say, the plan to not add too much attention to her case is working, however they should get her home as soon as possible since there is a war between Russia and Ukraine.

Cousins, what do you think surrounding this recent development in her case?