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Brittney Griner Represents The Thousands of Americans Serving Time For Minor Drug Offenses
No one is offering to trade arms dealers to free your neighbor
WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in a Russian airport on February 17th, 2022, for possessing hashish oil. The substance is illegal in Russia, and she was subsequently detained and charged with illegal drug possession. The event caused an international incident, with many accusing Russia of detaining the basketball player for political reasons rather than legitimate legal concerns.
Whatever the true motives behind Russia’s harsh treatment of Griner, the fact of the matter is that she broke the law and is now serving her time. The detention and treatment of Griner is a useful lesson for Americans who are also struggling with loved ones who are behind bars for so-called minor drug offenses. The attention being paid to Griner’s plight is ironic given the number of Americans sitting behind bars for similar crimes right here in the United States.
Rumored Prisoner Exchange
The irony and ridiculousness surrounding Griner’s situation are highlighted by rumors that surfaced claiming the United States was (and likely still is) attempting to organize a prisoner exchange to free her. At one point, Russia…
