Statement on Brittney Griner Court Denial

The political posturing by the Russian government surrounding the Brittney Griner arrest and conviction is unacceptable. In an effort to keep American officials at bay during their colossal economic failures and stunning military loses to the brave Ukrainian forces, the Kremlin has decided to make Ms. Griner an example of their authority.

The negligible amount of cannabis oil involved in this case does not warrant such an excessive conviction of nine years. Nor does the Russian court’s consideration of reducing that time by eliminating time already served warrant praise.

I am calling on the U.S. State Department to effectively and immediately obtain the release of Ms. Griner and safe return home.