Topline
Russian authorities extended the pre-trial detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner for 30 days during a Friday court hearing in Moscow, according to ESPN and the Associated Press, in what’s the most tangible update on the American’s status since she was detained on drug charges in February.
Brittney Griner runs up court during the women’s basketball gold medal game against Japan at the … [+]
Key Facts
Griner’s lawyer Alexander Boikov told the AP the extension was shorter than expected and may indicate that her case will soon go to trial.
Griner faces charges that carry up to a 10-year prison sentence after allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing THC-laden oil at a Moscow airport, but the U.S. State Department has determined Griner is wrongfully detained and is lobbying for her release.
The detention extension was largely expected as people can spend years awaiting trial in the Russian legal system.
A source told ESPN Griner looked “good, considering” in court, her first public appearance since her arrest.
The State Department and Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
Key Background
A seven-time WNBA All-Star, Griner was arrested while returning to Russia to play for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg she plays for during the WNBA offseason. A month after her arrest, the U.S. gained consular access to Griner and a U.S. embassy official found her in “good condition,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price. Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan are the only known Americans in Russian jail after Trevor Reed was freed from Russian prison last month as part of a prisoner exchange. Following Reed’s release, Price told CNN Griner remains a “top priority” for the U.S. The State Department’s wrongful detainment classification allows the U.S. to be more active in securing Griner’s release before any verdict, and a department spokesperson told Forbes last week that Special Presidential Envoy Roger Carstens will head the American delegation for Griner’s case.
Contra
The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected the U.S.’s wrongful detainment determination in a statement Friday to CNN, saying Griner was “caught red-handed” breaking Russia’s drug laws.
Crucial Quote
WNBA star Breanna Stewart tweeted Thursday, “It has been 84 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse, we are paying attention and we are counting on you.” The 2022 WNBA season began without Griner this week, and a logo honoring Griner will appear on every NBA court this season.
Further Reading
WNBA’s Griner appears in Moscow court for detention hearing (Associated Press)
Brittney Griner Reportedly Reclassified As ‘Wrongfully Detained’ In Russia By U.S. (Forbes)
EXPLAINER: WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia (Associated Press)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/05/13/brittney-griners-russian-detention-reportedly-extended-by-30-days/