President Joe Biden met on Friday with Cherelle Griner, wife of Brittney Griner, and reassured her that he is working to gain the WNBA star's freedom.
Biden sat down in the Oval Office with Cherelle Griner as well as Elizabeth Whelan, sister of detained former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Biden conducted the separate meetings to assure the families that the detainees"are at front of mind," said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
"We're going to continue to do everything that we can, working tirelessly every day, to make sure that we get them home," she told reporters.Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and longtime star with the, was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on drug charges on Aug. 4, a verdict that Biden called"unacceptable". The United States in late July said it has put forward a"substantial offer" to secure the release of the two Americans.
Last month, Russia's foreign ministry said it was engaged in"quiet diplomacy" with the United States about a potential prisoner swap that could include Griner and Whelan. But there have been few public developments on the issue over the past weeks. Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters.
Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in February with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan families to meet with President Biden amid US-Russia talksFamilies of imprisoned Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan will meet with Biden at the White House Friday amid Russia-US prisoner swap talks.
Consulte Mais informação »
President Biden to meet with Griner, Whelan families FridayPresident Joe Biden will meet Friday with the families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, two American citizens who remain detained in Russia.
Consulte Mais informação »
Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan families to meet President Biden amid US-Russia talksWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security...
Consulte Mais informação »
President Biden to meet with families of Brittney Griner and Paul WhelanFor the first time since their loved ones were detained in Russia, the families of American basketball star Brittney Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan will have the chance to speak to President Joe Biden in person.
Consulte Mais informação »
Biden to personally meet with Griner and Whelan families Friday | CNN PoliticsPresident Joe Biden on Friday will personally meet with the families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan at the White House, his press secretary said.
Consulte Mais informação »
Griner, Whelan families to meet Biden amid US-Russia talksPresident Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia, senior administration officials said.
Consulte Mais informação »