Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2022

August 4, 2022

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.

NOTE: The statement referred to Cherelle T. Griner, wife of Ms. Griner; and Paul N. Whelan, a

U.S. citizen, who was arrested and held on espionage charges by Russian security services in Moscow, Russia, on December 28, 2018.

Categories: Statements by the President : Russia, sentencing of U.S. citizen Brittney Y. Griner. Names: Griner, Brittney Y.; Griner, Cherelle T.; Whelan, Paul N.

Subjects: Russia : Detained U.S. citizens.

DCPD Number: DCPD202200689.

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