Statement by President Joe Biden on the Sentencing of Wrongfully Detained American Brittney Griner

As the U.S. responds with outrage to the verdict of Brittney Griner,  the  WNBA star, who was sentenced to 9 years of prison  in a Ruswsian court on Thursday, Washington is  demanding her return, following failed prison swap negotiations. U.S. offical establised months ago that she was unlawfully detained.  President  Joe Biden released a brief statement demanding er "immediate release. Some of Griner's supporters beleive the White House was slow to respond intially.

POTUS STATEMENT: Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.  My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.