Griner’s tireless supporters relentlessly advocated for her release, effectively making her case a nationally recognized issue. Their efforts caught the attention of President Biden, who took swift action to bring her home within a year.
This success not only reunited Griner with her family but also set a precedent for other families with wrongfully detained loved ones.
By single-handedly changing the landscape of advocacy in this space, Griner has opened doors for others to follow and find hope in the face of despair.
Harrison Li’s father, Kai Li, has been detained in China since 2016. And he credits Brittney’s advocacy with shining a light on those wrongfully detained. Adding that their situation has “gone unnoticed and unheard for way too long.”
The American public is paying attention. And the families are optimistic that there is hope for those with loved ones still imprisoned overseas.
“Nobody owes anybody when they come home,” said Elizabeth Whelan, whose brother, Paul Whelan, has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018.
