A court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki has extended the pre-trial detention of Brittney Griner by six months. Griner appeared handcuffed and escorted on her way to the courtroom where she was told of the decision in a closed-door preliminary hearing on Monday.
The latest extension of her detention was due to expire on July 2, but has now been extended by a further six months.
Griner, who was arrested at a Moscow airport in early March, will remain in custody for the duration of her criminal trial in Russia. She could face up to 10 years in prison on charges of transporting drugs on a large scale.
It is a fact that less than one percent of criminal cases in Russia are acquitted. And even once an acquittal occurs, it can be appealed.
It has now been almost four months since her arrest after authorities found cannabis oil in her suitcase and it is believed that the criminal trial will begin soon, although no date has yet been set.
The player has received expressions of support from the United States, her family members, the WNBA, the NBA and numerous social groups. Her relatives even asked Joe Biden to intercede on her behalf.
A week ago the Kremlin responded to criticism of Griner’s detention by asserting that “she is not a hostage of Russian justice”. There has also been talk of swaps with Russian prisoners, such as Viktor Bout, nicknamed “The Merchant of Death”, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the US for conspiracy to assassinate US citizens. There was also talk of Paul Whelan, former director of marines and security, who is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also recently stated his intent on getting Griner back to the United States.
Marca
