WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in a Russian prison since February, and her family fears the worst is yet to come.

As previously reported by Blavity, in July, Griner was convicted on a charge of attempting to smuggle two vape cartridges containing hashish oil. The cartridges were found in her luggage at a Moscow-area airport as she traveled to rejoin her Russian pro team. She was sentenced to nine years in prison.

The Phoenix Mercury basketball player has served over 200 days and counting in one of Russia’s approximately 650 penal institutions. These traditional penal colonies consist of barrack- and dorm-style detention complexes where incarcerated people face hard labor, and these complexes are not known for their leniency or suitable living conditions. Griner will have to work each day, People reports. 

Hostage expert Amy Manson of Hostage US spoke with Newsy about the conditions that could be facing Griner and her fellow American detainee Paul Whelan.

“They face the reality of poor nutrition, sometimes no access to fresh air or actual daylight,” Manson said, according to the outlet.

“Some of our returnees face as much as 50 to 60 to 70 pounds lost,” she continued. “And then we’re talking about muscle wastage, as well as the impact on their bodies of constant poor nutrition and constant stress.”

At a WNBA finals press conference Sunday, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert said it was ‘complex situation’ and shared that she received a letter from Griner.

“As we prepare to start this great series, it’s important to reiterate that we are always thinking of Brittney Griner and our commitment to bring her home safely and as quickly as possible,” Engelbert said, Newsy reports. “I am so inspired by her courage in the face of enormous adversity.”

In continued attempts to bring Griner home, President Joe Biden recently had his first in-person meeting with the families of Griner and Whelan.

“One of the reasons he is meeting with the families is that he wanted to let them know that they remain front of mind and that his team is working on this every day — on making sure that Brittney and Paul return home safely,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, according to Newsy.

After meeting with Biden, Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner released a statement that was shared by ESPN’s T.J. Quinn.

“I want to thank President Biden for today’s meeting,” she wrote. “It was an honor to speak with him directly about the Brittney we know and love and to thank him for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release. I’ve felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her.”

“I look forward to the day my wife is back home,” she continued. “As my family and I continue on this journey, I would like to thank the broad coalition of friends, leaders, and supporters who continue to stand with us and advocate for Brittney’s swift and safe return. Let’s share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones. Together we are BG.”

As Blavity previously reported, the U.S. has offered to release Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer, in exchange for Griner and Whelan, but there has been no word on a deal.

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