“Terrified,” Griner wrote a letter to Biden asking for his freedom

American basketball star Brittney Griner asked US President Joe Biden for her release from a Russian prison in a handwritten letter published in part by her family on Monday.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Griner, who has been jailed in Russia since February on drug smuggling charges, told Biden she fears she may never be released.

“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any accomplishments, I fear that I may be here forever,” Griner wrote.

Griner’s trial began Friday on charges that she tried to smuggle vape cartridges containing hash oil into Russia. You face up to 10 years imprisonment. The next hearing in her case is scheduled for Thursday.

U.S. officials said Griner is being unjustly detained by Russia, where she has played in the women’s NBA off-season in previous years.

Griner, who was arrested just days before Russian troops invaded Ukraine, won a WNBA crown in 2014 with the Phoenix Mercury. She is a two-time league champion and an eight-time All-Star center.

The 31-year-old told Biden in her letter that she understands he has many concerns on his mind, but implored him not to forget about her and other Americans being held in Russia.

“I realize you are involved in so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American inmates,” Griner wrote. “Please do everything you can to bring us home.

“I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I have so much good left to do with my freedom that you can help restore it. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates It is killing me to know they are suffering so much I am grateful for anything you can do at this moment to bring me home.

Griner’s letter was presented to the White House on America’s Independence Day, which Griner says has a whole new meaning for her this year.

“On July 4th, our family typically honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father, who is a Vietnam War veteran,” Griner said.

“It hurts to think how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something very different to me this year.”