Brittney Griner Expresses Major Concern for Detained WSJ Reporter in Russia

Brittney Griner weighed in on Russia’s detainment of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, saying she’s greatly concerned for his safety and urging President Biden to do everything he can to bring him home.

The Women’s National Basketball Association star took to Instagram Saturday night to show her support for Gershkovich, who was taken into custody by Russian authorities last Thursday and accused of spying.

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As you know, Griner was convicted by a Russian court for possessing cannabis oil in 2022, and she spent 10 months in a Russian jail before the Biden administration got her released in a prisoner swap.

Griner and her wife, Cherelle, wrote, “Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovich and his family since Evan’s detainment in Russia.”They continued, “Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all.”

The couple then called on Biden to use every tool at his disposal to bring Gershkovich home, as well as all Americans who have been wrongfully detained abroad. Gershkovich was the first US journalist to be detained in Russia on an espionage charge since the Cold War.

The Wall Street Journal has denied the spying charge and demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich.

President Biden sent a blunt message Friday to Russia to “Let him go,” referring to Gershkovich. Vice President Kamala Harris said she’s “deeply concerned” about the arrest amid rising tensions with Moscow over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

US officials were working to gain access to Gershkovich, but, so far, have not been able to do so.