Barracks camp in Mordovia
US basketball star Griner transferred to penal colony on the Volga
11/18/2022, 8:12 am
The central Russian region of Mordovia is known for its inhospitable climate – and for a penal colony. According to Russian authorities, more than 800 prisoners are being held in the barracks camp. According to her lawyers, US basketball player Brittney Griner is now one of them.
US basketball player Brittney Griner has been transferred to a remote Russian penal colony, according to her lawyers. Griner is serving her sentence in the IK-2 penal camp in the Mordovia region, her lawyers said on Thursday. Accordingly, they were able to visit the 32-year-old again earlier in the week: The star basketball player is doing well under the circumstances, she is trying to “stay strong” while she adjusts to her new environment, the statement said.
The IK-2 penal colony is located in the city of Yavas in central Russia’s Mordovia region, known for its inhospitable climate. According to the Russian prison authorities, there are more than 800 prisoners in the barracks camp.
Nine years in prison for cannabis oil
Barrack camps are a common form of prison in Russia – here the IK-6 penal camp in remote Vladimir Oblast, where Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is housed.
(Photo: REUTERS)
Russia’s penal colonies are notorious for harsh treatment of inmates, poor sanitation conditions and inadequate health care. The prison conditions there are much harsher than in normal prisons. According to activists, abuse and torture are not uncommon in the Russian penal system.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug smuggling in August. At the end of October, the 32-year-old WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist failed with an appeal.
The US basketball player, who also plays in Yekaterinburg, Russia, was arrested on arrival at a Moscow airport in February after cartridges for e-cigarettes with small amounts of cannabis oil were found in her luggage. Griner says he took the cannabis to relieve pain from sports injuries. However, medical use of the drug is also illegal in Russia.
Griner in exchange for arms dealers?
Griner’s case caused outrage in the United States. The US government is trying to get the basketball player released. The struggle for the imprisoned athlete is taking place against the background of massive tensions between Washington and Moscow over the Russian military offensive in Ukraine.
According to the White House, the intelligence chiefs of the two states had discussed US citizens detained in Russia earlier in the week. According to reports, Griner and former US soldier Paul Whelan could be traded for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the US.