The Cold-Hearted Nightmare of Brittney Griner

By Cameron Williams, Social Media Chair

After ten months in a Russian Penal Colony known for continued human rights violations since the first World War, Brittney Griner finally saw her release on December 8th. After lengthy political negotiations Viktor Bout, an infamous Russian arms dealer, was exchanged into Russian custody.

In February of 2022, the 32-yearold WNBA superstar was detained by airport security for possessing cannabis oil and later charged with smuggling an illegal substance. Griner had played in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League for multiple seasons, which Brittney Griner headlined during her off-seasons with the WNBA, paid roughly $1 million. Since Griner’s imprisonment, protesters have advocated for better pay for WNBA players, so there is less need to play in foreign leagues.

Griner pleaded guilty with no criminal intent, as this oil was used for pain management and was not intended to be packed in her luggage but was hastily done so in packing. The Biden Administration soon declared this wrongful imprisonment, as Griner received ten years, with the judge later moving Griner to a penal colony. The history of the Russian Penal Colony, formerly known as “the gulag labor camps,” is that of forcing prisoners to perform physical labor with no compensation in the tundra of Russia. The frigid conditions fed into one noticeable difference for the superstar; Griner’s locs were cut off due to the extreme freezing temperatures. After her release, Griner stated that the cold work conditions would freeze her locs whenever she would wash her hair. Griner was also unable to do the tailoring and sewing work that other female prisoners were expected to do due to her height and larger hands. Instead, she was designated to move the fabric.

Many saw Griner’s detaining as politically motivated, as the

United States support in Ukraine has shown to weaken Russia’s attempt to siege the country. Any form of political advantage Putin’s regime could find was assured to be taken. Griner was just an unfortunate casualty at the wrong place at the wrong time.

To serve ten years for possession of cannabis oil in inhumane conditions was deemed wrong by the Biden Admin. Griner has since admitted to facing homophobia and racism in the penal colony. As such, the Biden Admin has sought to make a prisoner swap for the WNBA star and a U.S. Marine in the deal. The former U.S. Marine, Paul Whelan, was arrested in 2018 for spying, something the White House has continued to deny. Later, Russia refused to agree to a deal that included Whelan— leaving the White House with fewer options for making a deal.

Viktor Bout, known internationally as the “Merchant of Death,” has been accused of funding terrorist groups and warlords worldwide with large quantities of dangerous weapons. He has attracted such attention by inspiring a movie depicting his acts called “Lord of War.” www.capitalonecareers.com/job/mclean/product-development-intern-summer-2023/31238/42529395120

Griner and Bout were exchanged in the United Arab Emirates. Later that day, Griner went through a routine health evaluation at a military medical facility in Texas, mainly used for all former foreign prisoners. She was then reunited with her wife.

With the War in Ukraine heavily leaning in favor of Ukraine, this may have a longing impact on the war effort and fuel Russian allies for years to come. Since then, Brittney has stated she looks forward to playing in the upcoming WNBA season for the Phoenix Mercury.