U.S. President Joe Biden told Brittney Griner's wife that he is working to secure the WNBA basketball star's release from Russia as soon as possible, describing her detention on drug charges as "intolerable" during call on Wednesday.
Griner, who had been playing for a Russian club during the offseason, was arrested at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed cannabis oil vape cartridges.
She went on trial last week and her next hearing is set for Thursday. If convicted on drug charges, she could face up to 10 years in prison. Griner sent Biden a letter this week, telling him she was "terrified (she) might be here forever."
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