In an administrative hearing in Moscow on Monday, Brittney Griner’s detention was extended another six months and her trial was scheduled to begin on Friday, July 1. 

Friday, July 1, is critical. Not only does this date mark the start of her trial, it is also the 30th birthday of Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife, and yet another milestone the couple will miss sharing together. In light of these events, a major awareness push is underway this week, fueled by this petition, and the action items below.

As this updated timeline shows, significant movement and support are building for BG. Thank you to those who signed the petition early, seeding this movement, and to everyone who has signed and shared it since. You represent the growing awareness and support of the American people for BG, which plays an integral role in these efforts.

On Friday, June 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Greg Stanton’s, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s and Congressman Colin Allred’s bipartisan resolution which demands the Russian government immediately release BG from wrongful detention. The resolution forces conversation in Washington about BG’s case and the importance of bringing her, and other wrongfully detained Americans, home.  

On Wednesday, June 22, BG’s core team of supporters coordinated 40+ organizations, including the NAACP, Human Rights Campaign, AAPI Women Lead, National Women’s Law Center, National Urban League, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and the WNBPA to sign a letter urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to make a deal to bring BG home.

[House passes resolution calling for Brittney Griner’s release]

Following a  meeting with the State Department in Washington D.C. on June 13, BG’s Phoenix Mercury teammates  stated that they had learned just how difficult securing BG’s release will be. But they expressed hope that the State Department will continue to work “relentlessly” toward that end. 

But faith in the U.S. government’s efforts was shaken when a previously scheduled phone call for Brittney’s and Cherelle’s fourth anniversary never transpired. Using a number provided by the U.S. Embassy, BG called Cherelle 11 times. But the call went to a desk which is staffed  only Monday through Friday, so the two were never connected. CNN reported that Secretary of State Blinken spoke with Cherelle after the incident and that the two still have yet to speak.

[Wife of WNBA’s Griner tells AP scheduled call never happened]

On June 22, the WNBA announced starters and captains for the WNBA All-Star Game, an honor BG has previously earned seven times. The league announced that BG will be an honorary starter for the game, on July 10 in Chicago. With its increasingly loud and demonstrably visible support, the WNBPA has made it clear: “They are not ‘The 144’ without their sister, BG!” Thus, the players’ association calls on all supporters to amplify the message that this year’s WNBA All-Star Game may indeed be Day 143 of BG’s wrongful detention unless the Biden Administration  moves swiftly and decisively to secure her release.

ACTION ITEMS:

• Share this petition with others and spread the word about BG’s case.
• Use the hashtags #WeAreBG and #BringBrittneyHome on social media.
• Send a message to the White House urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to get a deal done to bring BG home. [LINK]
• Follow @TheWNBPA and @Athletes4Impact on Instagram and Twitter for more information throughout the week.

[Preliminary hearing for WNBA star Brittney Griner set for Monday in Moscow, lawyer says]