October 18, 2022, marks WNBA player Brittney Griner‘s 243th day in a Russian jail. It’s also the star’s 32nd birthday.
Since her arrest and imprisonment in February, celebrities, fellow athletes, family and friends have called for her release, speaking out against the detainment, creating campaigns in her honor and calling on President Joe Biden to bring her home.
On her birthday today, they send well-wishes, and messages of hope and solidarity.
The WNBA
“Happy Birthday Brittney Griner, we will not forget about you and we will not stop fighting for you. The W won’t be the same until you’re home.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock
“Today, Brittney Griner turns 32 while wrongfully detained in Russia. We won’t stop fighting for your safe return. #FreeBrittneyGriner”
Seattle Storm player Breanna Stewart
“Happy Birthday @brittneygriner ! You’re absence is felt everyday that you are not here, but today we come together to celebrate you. We love you BG, and we will not stop until you are home!”
Los Angeles Sparks player Nneka Ogwumike
“BG, All I can say is we miss you, we’re here for you, and we’re celebrating the day you blessed everyone in this world. We could never forget or neglect you and are fighting everyday for you to be home to love and appreciate everything you mean to us. Happy Birthday.”
Phoenix Mercury
“Her smile. Her personality. Her joy. This is who Brittney Griner is.”
Griner was found guilty on drug charges in a Moscow-area court on August 4 and was sentenced to nine years in prison. As previously reported, her attorneys filed an appeal on August 15. A hearing is scheduled for October 25.
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