Today we learned that Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia would be extended through at least July 2nd.
Russian state media outlet TASS reported the developing story.
The WNBA star was taken into custody at Sheremetyevo Internation Airport outside of Moscow on February 17th. Officials said they found vape cartridges and hashish oil in her bag, which is illegal in Russia.
TASS reports that her detention was extended for another 18 days at “the request of the investigation,” according to a representative from the Khimki Court of Moscow.
This has been an ongoing dilemma for Griner and her entire family back in the U.S.
Her family, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA and other groups put pressure on the administration to help bring Griner home.
In May, the U.S. State Department attempted to escalate matters by declaring that Russia “wrongfully detained” Brittney Griner.
That declaration shifted the responsibility for bringing her home to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
In response, Russia played hardball with the U.S. and actually extended her detainment by a month.
Now they’ve further extended Griner’s detention while her family anxiously awaits her return.
And while Griner continues to sit in a Russian jail as a political pawn during Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, all while facing a possible 10-year sentence.
We will keep you updated on the situation.
