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In a surprising turn of events, a WNBA superstar returned home after being detained in Russia for 10 long months. And Brittney Griner’s release sparked very public controversy.

Her freedom came as part of a December prisoner exchange between the Biden administration and the Kremlin. And it stirred up debates and criticisms regarding the prioritization of her freedom over that of a Marine veteran.

The Biden administration said at the time that this was not a matter of choosing one American over another. Nevertheless, skeptics argued that the deal favored the famous basketball player while leaving fellow American detainee Paul Whelan and others behind in Russia. 

Even though the US government insists it tried to gain Whelan’s release at the same time there were a lot of critics.

Brittney Griner's Release was celebrated by families

The criticism and partisanship surrounding this issue deeply troubled the Whelan family. Elizabeth Whelan, Paul's sister, revealed in an interview how unhappy the family was. She claims the division played directly into the hands of the Kremlin. And that Putin seeks to sow chaos and discord within the United States. 

Elizabeth emphasized the need to focus on the real wrongdoers: the Kremlin and its leader, Putin.

Throughout Paul's unjust detainment, the Whelan family has come to believe that Putin holds US citizens for ransom intent on causing chaos.

Griner found herself arrested in February 2022 and turned into a political pawn by Russia. Her detainment took place days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

The Whelans believe that critics attempting to pit the detainees' families against each other had their own agenda. And the Whelans made a collective decision to support any action that resulted in the return of wrongfully detained Americans, even if it did not include Paul. 

Griner's wife and family shared this sentiment. And vowed not to let Twitter trolls or partisan agendas divide the families of the wrongfully detained.

Elizabeth Whelan stressed the importance of families supporting each other since they are the ones who truly understand the struggles faced by those with loved ones held captive.

She called for unity in the face of adversity and refused to let critics tarnish their shared goal of returning the detainees home. She rejects the idea that Brittney was released because she was more important. And she insists these critics are playing right into Putin's Hands.

Brittney Griner advocates for wrongfully detained

Since her return to the U.S. Griner has been a strong advocate for wrongfully detained Americans. But skeptics accuse her of betraying the very cause she supports. And claim her celebrity status bought her freedom.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Whelan called for unity in the face of adversity and refused to let critics tarnish their shared goal of returning the detainees home. She rejects the idea that Brittney was released because she was more important. And she insists these critics are playing right into Putin's Hands?

Elizabeth Whelan acknowledged that there will always be people who seek to turn this into a partisan issue. She asks that people show empathy. And says that no one should   judge unless they have experienced the same reality as the Griners. 

There are wrongfully detained Americans held all over the world. They for all practical purposes “prisoners of war.” 

In today’s world political divisions often cloud human rights issues and divide people. But for the families of the detained: Black, White, Straight, Gay, Republican, and Democrat alike, they remain overwhelmingly united.