Russian authorities have extended WNBA star Brittney Griner’s pretrial detention for another month. The court also denied Griner's request for house arrest. According to Griner’s attorney, Alexander Boikov, since the extension is relatively short, this could indicate that Griner’s trial will get underway soon.
The seven-time WNBA all-star and Olympic champion had been taken into custody in February at Sheremetyevo International Airport for alleged possession of vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Initially, the consular section of the State Department, which primarily monitors how Americans held in foreign custody are being treated, was overseeing Griner’s situation. However, earlier in May, the U.S. government re-classified Griner as “wrongfully detained,” meaning a Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs of the State Department began handling the case and is engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure Griner’s release.
At the time of her arrest, the Phoenix Mercury center was playing in Russia during the off-season, where she can make roughly four times her WNBA salary.
The Russians have detained Griner for 84 days.
