Brittney Griner Speaks For the First Time About Her Imprisonment In Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner discussed her harrowing experience in a Russian prison for the first time in an emotional interview with Robin Roberts, set to air on ABC’s “20/20” on May 1, 2024. Griner was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 17, 2022, after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage—a substance illegal in Russia. She pleaded guilty, stating the inclusion was accidental and not intended to break the law. Despite her plea, she was sentenced to nine years and transferred to a penal colony in Mordovia, where she faced dire conditions, leading her to contemplate suicide. After nearly 10 months, Griner was released in a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022. Since her release, Griner has advocated for other Americans imprisoned in Russia and is collaborating with ESPN and Disney on a documentary and scripted series about her ordeal, aiming to inspire hope and highlight her transformative journey.

Source: BET