Biden decries Russian court ruling against American citizen

WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden said Thursday that a Russian court sentenced "wrongfully detained American (basketball star) Brittney Griner." "Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," according to a White House statement. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately," Biden stressed.
"My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible," he pledged.
Griner, of the US Phoenix Mercury team, flew to Moscow early this year to take part in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) off-season tourney. On her way back, she was detained at Sheremetyevo airport, outside Moscow, on February 17, under the charge of possessing narcotics. (end) rsr.gb