Professional basketball player Brittney Griner will unfortunately take a long break from court after being sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia. The 32-year-old sports star will spend most of the next decade of his life in one of the world’s toughest prisons.
The news comes after the world champion faced legal trouble when Sheremetyevo Airport staff found hash oil in his luggage in Moscow. She will serve in a women-only general regime colony, which is much harsher than a settlement colony.
According to reports, former prisoners of the general regime colony, such as Sarah Krivanek, came out to confirm the horrors of high security prisons. He noted that they had stricter rules and more guards than the settlement colonies. He also explained that there was a huge language barrier between the prisoners.
Read on to learn more.
Brittney Griner Will Be Sent To A Harder Than Normal Prison
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follow People’s Magazine, the representative of the NGO Russia Behind Bars, Natalia Filinonovna, revealed that life in the colonies of the general regime was “not easy”. Krivanek, who also spent time in a Russian prison as an American, revealed that his nine months in the colony were “hell.”
He was jailed for “minor physical injuries” he inflicted on his roommate at the time. Comparing his crime to Griner’s, he explained that the country sees the sports star’s actions as an offense similar to murder. “Drug crime is seen as a crime against the state, comparable to murder, and the punishment reflects that.”
Galina Yakovlena, former Russian prisoner, explained to Many people that Griner will be in the central prison until there is room for him in the general regime colony. He also gave some details about the horrific prison system, explaining that there are high walls, cramped spaces and a huge language barrier. He also revealed that they are homophobic.
Prison is Homophobic
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Griner, who is openly gay, will face a difficult time in the correctional center because homosexual relations are prohibited. According to Yakovlena, the authorities could transfer him to an isolation cell for disobeying the law. He also revealed the language barrier among the inmates because they receive some foreigners from time to time.
She also noted that the space was cramped, as about 100 women shared four toilets and sinks. Additionally, prison tours and packages are limited to 12 times a year. Yakovlena then commented on the very short personal time but suggested that Griner could ask for a basketball hoop and some games from his friend outside.
Although the system is a nightmare, Griner may find support from his fellow inmates and bond with them over time.
Brittney Griner May Bond With Her Prisoners
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According to Yakovlena, it is easy to establish relationships with other prisoners because they all live in the same conditions. “We live in a time when you’re sent to a colony for little reason, and so everyone feels that injustice and comes together to support each other, no matter who you are,” he said.
He also felt bad for Griner for having to deal with the prison system for nine full years. Although he now runs a charity to support incarcerated children, he recalls that he was scared to death when he first went to prison.
Narrating his experience, he said per Many people, “You don’t know what’s in front of you. Everything is bleak and grey.” He also revealed that it was different from settlement colonies because they took their personal belongings and made them wear uniforms and scarves “all the time.”
Yakovlena continued, “It was a terrible experience. They take everything that belongs to you — that makes you a person — away from you. It was run like a military training camp.”
Brittney Griner May Be Sent To Settlement Colony As Reward For Good Behavior
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Commenting on the conditions of the general regime prisons, the representative of the International Committee for Human Rights Ivan Melnikov stated (per Many people) that prisoners could be “rewarded for good behavior after three or four years by being sent to a settlement colony.”
While this is good news, he is also worried about the language barrier and the possibility of sending him to an isolation cell. However, amid reports of bullying and prison fights, he believes the system will protect him as world champion.
Like other ex-convicts, he hopes he is not a victim of racism and homophobia. “People are faceless there, the important thing is if you are a good person and can make friends.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
