"Please don't forget me and the other American detainees."
In a handwritten letter to the US president, WNBA player Brittney Griner implored Joe Biden to come to her aid.
Since February 17, the basketball player has been imprisoned in Russia, accused by local authorities of drug smuggling.
His trial has just started on July 1 in the suburbs of Moscow.
“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, my family, my friends, my Olympic jersey or anything I have accomplished, I am terrified of the thought of 'be here forever' continues the Phoenix Mercury player.
His letter was filed in front of the White House on July 4, Independence Day in the United States.
Everything but a coincidence, since the American writes to honor “those who fought for freedom, including [his] Vietnam War veteran father”.
" I miss my family "
The basketball player asks Joe Biden to do everything to "bring her home", she who assures that she "still has so much to accomplish" in freedom.
“I miss my wife!
I miss my family !
adds the American in her message to the president.
For several months, the case has taken on a strong political dimension due to Russian-American tensions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Calls for his release have also multiplied on social networks.
123 days.
Bring Brittney home.
pic.twitter.com/HWWvzn17hR
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 20, 2022
In April, the boss of the WNBA, Cathy Engelbert, spoke on the subject while giving reassuring news from the sportswoman.
"We know she's fine but we want her to come home," she said, adding "to do everything alongside her lawyers" to try to get the player back to the United States.
The cannabis oil found in the player's hand luggage in February at Moscow airport is illegal in the country, but legal in the United States.
She faces up to 10 years in prison in Russia.