On 12/8/2022, a reporter asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “And one more on Brittney Griner. I understand how the deal went down and what the Russians were willing to give. But how do you dispel the public perception that if you are a celebrity or a professional athlete, you get preferential treatment in a situation like this?”
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: … This was not a choice for us on — of which American to bring home. That was not the choice. It was a choice between bringing home one American or bringing home none. And we brought one home today, and that is important to note … We would have preferred, of course — of course, we’d have preferred to see them both released. That’s what we’ve been calling on. That’s what you’ve been hearing from me and the President these past — this past year. But we did not want to lose the opportunity before us to secure the release of one of them. And so that was the choice: one or none, and not “which one.” It was either none or one.
Reporter: The sister of Emad Sharghi, who is an American-Iranian hostage in Tehran, gave an emotional interview this morning. She said she was thrilled for the release of Brittney Griner, but she’s disappointed that neither the President nor Jake Sullivan met with her or her family. So —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Can you say the name one more time?
Reporter: His name is Emad Sharghi. He’s an American-Iranian hostage. So, some people accused the White House of double standard. Why until now she was unable to meet with anybody in the White House? And what are you doing to release Americans who are held in Iranian jail until now?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You’re talking about Ibrahim Almadi, or are you talking about someone else? I didn’t hear the name.
Reporter: His name is Emad Sharghi.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay.
Reporter: And his sister is called Neda Sharghi.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. So, look, I don’t know that case specifically, so I can’t speak to it from here at this time. I would have to check.
I would also refer you to the State Department to get an update on that particular — particular situation.
Reporter: Back on Marc Fogel for a second. He’s doing a 14-year sentence for less than an ounce of pot. Would you say he’s been wrongfully detained? There’s some lawmakers who want to classify it that way.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Again, I can’t — I can’t speak to any individual, specific case at this time. I would refer you to the State Department. Everyone has a different classification … we want — we want Americans to know that their safety and security is among our highest priorities. Again, I don’t want to get into specific — specific individuals from here.
Reporter: You were asked previously about the security assessment regarding Viktor Bout, and you said that the United States would stay vigilant. It sounds like the administration still sees him as a security threat. No?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We’re saying — the question is, and the question has been placed to us, is do we have security concerns. Right? And what we have said is that the President did not make this decision lightly. Just want to make that very clear. But he believed this was the right thing to do to secure Brittney’s release …
Reporter: So you still have security concerns?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to — I’m — you know, I’m not the Intelligence Committee here, so I’m not going to get into any intelligence …
Reporter: Thanks, Karine. A few questions. First, on Brittney Griner. You mentioned that Brittney is a part of two communities: the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community. There were, as you know, many advocacy groups and civil rights organizations that were rallying for her. To what degree was that helpful or impactful to the administration’s work to bring her home?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I will just refer to you — to what Cherelle said — Cherelle Griner said at the — at the podium earlier today — right? — in the Roosevelt Room. And you saw her speak to — to the folks outside of her network, outside of the administration who were — who she applauded and thanked for their support. And, yeah, you know, does that matter? Of course that matters.
https://facebook.com/HygoNewsUSA/videos/1907820762949862
Q: prefer athlete? A: of course preferred both released; Q: Iranian double standard? American Teacher Marc Fogel Wrongfully Detained?