Dennis Rodman plans to take matters into his own hands when it comes to rescuing Brittney Griner from Russia. Speaking to NBC News, the former NBA player said he plans to visit Russia and rescue Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges earlier this month.
“I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl,” Rodman told NBC News. “I’m trying to go this week.”
The former Chicago Bulls star already has experience in engaging with foreign leaders. Rodman, who previously met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has credited himself for rescuing American Kenneth Bae from the Asian country. The 61-year-old also made a trip to Moscow in 2014 and described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “cool.”
Rodman only needs a visa from Moscow to visit Russia. He is not required to get permission from the U.S.
The U.S., which has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, has issued a travel advisory to strongly discourage American citizens from visiting the country. The State Department has warned Americans about a “potential harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials” and the possibility of “wrongful detention.”
As Blavity previously reported, Griner is at risk of serving time in Russia’s brutal prison system. The WNBA All-Star, who is currently held in one of Russia’s remand facilities while her appeal is being processed, could be heading to one of the country’s 650 penal institutions if the U.S. fails to bring her home.
According to VICE News, the U.S. Department of State has published a 100-page human rights report which highlights several issues within Russia’s prisons, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, food shortage, torture and sexual violence.
