Brittney Griner’s Detention in Russia Is Extended

The WNBA star’s lawyer also said that the short length of the extension might indicate the case will go to trial soon.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during the 2021 WNBA Finals on October 11, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. Credit: Getty Images
Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during the 2021 WNBA Finals on October 11, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. Credit: Getty Images

Brittney Griner’s pre-trial detention in Russia was extended by one month today, her lawyer told the Associated Press. The WNBA star’s lawyer also said that the short length of the extension might indicate the case will go to trial soon.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February 2022, after vape cartridges with oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage. The offense could carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Earlier this month, the State Department said Griner was being “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government. The U.S. government has been working to secure her release. Bill Richardson, a former UN Ambassador and former governor of New Mexico, who has also worked as an international hostage negotiator, has also come aboard to work on her case.