Topline
Russia extended the pre-trial detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner Tuesday until at least July 2, state media outlet TASS reported, despite ongoing efforts to have her released since she was taken into custody in February, according to several reports.
Brittney Griner #15 of United States stands attended for the national anthem before the women’s … [+]
Key Facts
Griner’s detention was extended an additional 18 days at “the request of the investigation,” a representative from the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region told TASS.
This is the third time her detention has been extended: In March it was extended through May 19, and in May it was extended by 30 days to Saturday.
Griner is considered wrongfully detained, “which signals that regardless of the status of her legal case, the U.S. government will seek to negotiate her release,” according to the WeAreBG website, a campaign to get Griner released.
Griner’s WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury, met Monday with the State Department to discuss the status of her case.
Forbes has reached out to representatives for Griner for comment.
Crucial Quote
State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Griner “should not be detained for a single day longer” and said the agency became aware of the extension through the TASS report.
Key Background
Griner flew to Russia to play basketball in the country during her WNBA off-season, something many players do to offset the low pay they get in the U.S., compared to NBA players. Vape cartridges containing hashish oil were allegedly discovered in her luggage at the airport. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on drug charges. The campaign to bring Griner home significantly ramped up over the last month, as the WNBA became more vocal in calling for her release. Griner is able to communicate with WNBA players through email. Last month, Forbes reported there were preliminary talks of releasing Griner through a prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, has pleaded for President Biden to intervene and get her home. Last week LeBron James joined the cause, calling on Biden and Vice President Harris to take action to secure her release.
Further Reading
LeBron James Calls On Biden To Bring Brittney Griner Home From Russia (Forbes)
Brittney Griner Communicating Through Email From Russian Detention (Forbes)
Brittney Griner Involved In Possible Prisoner Swap With Russia (Forbes)
Brittney Griner Reportedly Reclassified As ‘Wrongfully Detained’ In Russia By U.S. (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/06/14/brittney-griners-russian-detention-reportedly-extended-again-through-july/