In letter, Brittney Griner appeals to Biden for freedom

In a letter addressed to the White House, athlete Griner appealed to President Joe Biden: “I know you are dealing with a lot, but please don't forget about me and other detained Americans.” She has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four months.

The message was sent this Monday, July 4th, the date on which United States Independence Day is celebrated. Griner mentioned the national holiday in the text: “On the Fourth of July, our family typically pays tribute to those who fought for our freedom, including my father, who is a Vietnam War veteran. It hurts to think about how I usually celebrate this day, because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

Griner complements the letter by saying that he voted for Joe Biden and that he believes in him. “I'm grateful for anything you can do right now to get me back home,” he concluded.

Check out questions and answers about Griner's arrest

Remember the case

Brittney Griner, 31, is a professional basketball athlete and two-time Olympic champion for the United States. She was arrested on February 17 this year at an airport in Moscow, Russia. Authorities in the country alleged that she was carrying “significant quantities” of hash oil, a marijuana derivative, in her luggage. In early May, the US government declared that Griner was “unjustly detained”.