The response to Joe Biden’s appeal in a handwritten letter from Britney Greener continued Tuesday when the WNBA All-Star admitted he was never afraid to return home and told Biden “about me and other American detainees.” Don’t forget.
Greener’s letter was delivered Monday by his representatives in the White House, and officials say the president has read it. Greener’s wife, Cheryl, said on a talk show Tuesday morning that she had not heard from Biden.
During a regular briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karin Jean-Pierre was repeatedly asked about Greener. She said Biden read the letter, but did not elaborate on her response.
“It’s very personal to him.”
Jean-Pierre did not say whether Biden planned to speak to Greener’s family, but said that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had recently spoken to Greener’s wife.
Jean-Pierre said Biden wants to take Greener and other Americans home.
“We’re going to use every possible tool to do that,” Jean-Pierre said.
Greener is in the middle of a trial in Russia that began last week when he was arrested on February 17 for carrying marijuana to play for his Russian team. The hearing is set to resume on Thursday.
Less than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases have been acquitted, and according to U.S. courts, the acquittal can be revoked.
Greener’s representatives shared excerpts from a letter he wrote to the president on Monday.
“I’m sitting here in a Russian prison, with my thoughts and without the security of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any performance, I’m afraid I’ll stay here forever,” Greener wrote. I can do it. “
The Phoenix Mercury Center said, “On July 4, our family, along with my father, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War, generally honors the service of people who fought for our freedom.” “I usually feel bad thinking about how I celebrate this day because the meaning of independence this year is completely different for me.”
Cheryl Greener was disappointed that she had not spoken directly to the White House since the letter was delivered.
“I still haven’t heard from him and honestly, it’s very disappointing,” Cheryl Greener told CBS Morning.
Cheryl Greener said it is a sign that Britney is reaching out directly to Biden about how frightened his wife is about what lies ahead.
“BG is probably the strongest person I know. That’s why she doesn’t say such words lightly, “said Cheryl. “It means she’s really scared she might never see us again. And you know I share the same feelings … I’m sure she was like, ‘I’m going to text her now because … My family tried and it didn’t work out, so I’m going to do it myself. “
In the letter, Greener urged Biden to exercise his authority to ensure his return.
Greener said, “Please do everything you can to get us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still want to do so well with my freedom that you can help restore it.” “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my friends! I am so sorry to know that they are in so much trouble right now. I am so grateful for all you can do to bring me home this time.”
Greener is able to communicate sparsely with family, friends and WNBA players via an email account set up by his agent. After an investigation by Russian authorities, Greener’s lawyer printed the emails and distributed them in bundles. Once lawyers return to their office, they will scan any responses from Greener and send them back to the US to accompany them.
He wanted to call his wife on Biden’s birthday, but failed because of “unfortunate mistakes,” Biden administration officials said.
Proponents of Greener have been pushing for a prisoner swap in April that brought home naval veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking. In May, the state department mistakenly detained him, overseeing his special presidential envoy for hostage cases, effectively naming him as the government’s chief hostage negotiator.
Greener is not the only American who has been wrongfully detained in Russia. Former Marine and Security Director Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage.