Freeing Brittney Griner, imprisoned in Russia since February, is a "
priority
" for Joe Biden, his spokesperson assured on Tuesday, indicating, rather tersely, that the president had read the poignant letter sent by the American women's basketball star .
"
The president read the letter
," said Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday during her daily press briefing, without expanding on Joe Biden's reaction to this missive with painful overtones.
"
This subject is a priority for the president
" and he "
does everything he can
," said the White House spokesperson.
Arrested at Moscow airport in February, Brittney Griner appeared Friday in a court near Moscow for her trial, finally adjourned to Thursday July 7.
The case is politically explosive, at a time when relations are at their worst between the United States and Russia, because of the invasion of Ukraine.
“
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
,' wrote the two-time Olympic basketball champion.
"
I know very well that you have to face a lot of things, but please don't forget me and the other American detainees
", implores the Phoenix Mercury player in this letter symbolically deposited at the House White Monday, Independence Day of the United States.
Karine Jean-Pierre, however, did not give more concrete indications on what the American administration is doing, only emphasizing that several senior officials were in regular contact with the family of the champion and in particular with his wife Cherelle Griner.
“
We want to end this practice, whether in Russia or in any other country, of unlawfully detaining Americans or foreign nationals for political gain
,” Ned Price, spokesperson for the department, said on Tuesday. of state.
Asked about criticism from Brittney Griner's family or teammates, who believe the mobilization should be stronger, he assured that the Biden administration does not want to "
do or say anything that could jeopardize
" the chances. of a release.
"
We of course understand the desire of families to draw as much attention as possible to their belongings
," assured Ned Price.
Brittney Griner's teammates lamented the lack of attention, especially from the media.
"
The outrage is not strong enough, that's all, the outrage is not strong enough
," Brianna Turner said on the sidelines of a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
"
If it was LeBron James (note: NBA star, the men's basketball championship) or Tom Brady (American football legend) it would make headlines every day
," criticized Sophie Cunningham, another player.