Today we learned that Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia would be extended through at least July 2nd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russian state media outlet TASS reported the developing story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has been an ongoing dilemma for Griner and her entire family back in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her family, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA and other groups put pressure on the administration to help bring Griner home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In May, the U.S. State Department attempted to escalate matters by declaring<\/a> that Russia \u201cwrongfully detained\u201d Brittney Griner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That declaration shifted the responsibility for bringing her home to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.<\/p>