In a letter sent by her representatives on Monday, Britney Greener directly appealed to President Biden for his freedom and wrote, “I fear I may be here forever.”
“I am aware that you are doing a lot, but please do not forget about me and the other prisoners,” an excerpt issued by their representative said. “Please do everything possible to bring us home.”
The letter, described as “manuscript”, records her father’s military service.
“On July 4, our family generally honors the service of people who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a veteran of the Vietnam War,” read another excerpt. “I usually feel bad thinking about how I celebrate this day because the meaning of independence this year is completely different for me.”
Greener’s trial began on Friday on charges of trying to smuggle vapor cartridges with hashish oil into Russia. Legal experts and U.S. officials have described the proceedings as a “show trial” that will surely result in a guilty and lengthy sentence. The Russian government has described the case as a “prisoner exchange”.
Greener’s representative said he would not issue a full letter or give details of how the letter came to the White House from Greener’s prison cell outside Moscow. Greener is able to send and receive notes to friends and family through his Russian lawyers, although all messages have been monitored by Russian authorities.
Greener’s family and supporters have tried to put pressure on the White House and the U.S. State Department to negotiate a trade deal that could bring him home. Russian state media outlets, which usually operate at the direct instruction of the government, have reported that talks are underway for a Russian man named Greener’s Victor Bout, who is currently 25 years old about financing terrorism. Is serving a one-year sentence. U.S. officials have said they are trying to free another American, Paul Whelan, who has been in Russian custody since December 2018.
Greener’s trial is set to begin on Thursday. She has yet to file a petition, but sources familiar with her case said she is likely to be convicted knowing that Russian authorities have committed the crime as part of a business to send her home. Approval will be required.
Other excerpts from the letter read: “… I can be here forever.”
She also wrote, “I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have a lot to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family “I miss my friends! I am sad to know that they are suffering so much this time. I am grateful for all you can do to bring me home.”