President Biden said he’s “hopeful” for a positive result in the case of women’s basketball player Brittney Griner, who was convicted of illegally smuggling drugs into Russia and received a nine-year prison sentence.
“I’m hopeful. We’re working hard,” Mr. Biden told reporters Friday at a ceremony to sign two bills aimed at cracking down on those who commit fraud under the COVID-19 relief programs.
Mr. Biden on Thursday criticized Russia for sentencing Ms. Griner to nine years in a penal colony for having vape cartridges and a small amount of cannabis oil in her luggage, calling the decision “unacceptable.