Over a year ago, Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for possessing hash oil vape cartridges in her luggage as she passed through customs at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. However, this would bring about the worst times in the former two-time Olympian’s life. Despite the fact that not much is known about her stay in the Russian Penal Colonies, many former inmates have had negative descriptions of them.
I m no stranger to hard times. You re going to be faced with adversities throughout your life. This was a pretty big one.
Brittney Griner spoke on her resilience in her first press conference since her release from a Russian prison.pic.twitter.com/3i2km3mCIT
Ball Don t Lie (@Balldontlie) April 27, 2023
The former WNBA champion was sent to the Mordovia IK-12 Penal Colony, which isn’t known for being very compassionate toward inmates. The day would be spent working for the prisoners, who would get up early for breakfast. They were only given an hour between each meal for their afternoon meal. According to reports, Brittney resided in a dormitory with 100 other inmates.
Griner most likely dealt with a lot of issues while she was incarcerated at the Mordovia IK-12 Penal Colony. Brittney Griner previously admitted to ESPN that, due to the size of her hands, all she occasionally did was handle large amounts of fabric for sewing.
How did Brittney Griner communicate while being imprisoned in Russia?
As soon as Russia started its war on Ukraine, Brittney Griner was detained, raising concerns about her safety. Her label as a political pawn was used. No one was able to get in touch with Griner while she was being held for several weeks. The US struggled to convince the Russians to link them up with her as well.
Griner was a frequent visitor to Russia, but she might not have been fluent in the language. She was allegedly only permitted to correspond with her attorneys through written letters. She was also prohibited from speaking with her American representatives directly.
Hundreds of communications from representatives, teammates, family friends, and the US administration were addressed to ThePhoenix Mercury legend. These emails would be printed and distributed to her in bulk by her Russian attorneys.
TheWNBAstar either provided the attorneys with handwritten comments or tried to explain her point of view. That information would be used by her attorneys to send an email on her behalf. She was nonetheless freed by the Russians in a prisoner swap in December. Griner was sent back to her own country.
