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Britney Griner's Russia Detention Was Just Extended — Here's How Long
The out WNBA star has already been in Russian custody for three months.
May 13 2022 10:18 AM EST
May 13 2022 6:47 AM EST
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The out WNBA star has already been in Russian custody for three months.
A lawyer for Brittney Griner says a Russian court has extended the lesbian American basketball player's pre-trial detention by another 30 days.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist, 31, appeared at a brief hearing on Friday in handcuffs with her head down, the Associated Press reports.
Griner's Russian lawyer Alexander Boikov told the wire the relatively short extension could indicate the case might be brought to trial soon, although there remain few details available about the case.
"We did not receive any complaints about the detention conditions from our client," Boikov said.
Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury basketball team, faces up to 10 years in prison after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were allegedly discovered in her luggage by Russian authorities as she entered the country in February.
In March her detention had been extended to May 19. The Biden administration has called the detention unlawful and has said it's committed to taking the steps necessary to bring her home. Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, has called for Brittney's release but asked for the public to respect their privacy as her case and the negotiations for her release continue.
\u201cBrittney Griner\u2019s mugshot released by Russia. \n\nShe\u2019s facing 10 years after being arrested in a Russian airport for vape cartridges.\u201d— My Mixtapez (@My Mixtapez) 1646764120
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last month at the WNBA Draft the Olympic gold medalist and All-Star was safe but described the situation as complex and advocated patience.
"We know she's safe, but we want to get her home," Engelbert said, according to Yahoo Sports. "So it's just a very complex situation right now and we're following the advice."
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Pride said in March an official from the U.S. embassy in Moscow had visited Griner and found her to holding up well and in good condition.
"Our official found Brittney Griner to be in good condition and we will continue to do everything we can to see to it that she is treated fairly throughout this ordeal," Price told CNN.
Griner's legal team has in the past said it has been granted access to Griner and has seen her multiple times.