Russia Sets Griner Trial

06/28/2022 Russia Sets Griner Trial

By: Matthew Cahill

Russian Court Finally Schedules Trial for Brittney Griner on Friday

After four months in a Russian prison for allegations of drug smuggling, WNBA star Brittney Griner finally has a trial date set for Friday, July 1. The Phoenix Mercury player attempted to leave Russia — where she plays during the WNBA offseason — at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. She was arrested for possession of cannabis oil and accused of transporting significant amounts of narcotics, an offense the Russian government claims is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

 

What Comes Next?

Griner attended her preliminary hearing Monday (seen above) at Khimki court outside Moscow. Griner’s supporters have continuously encouraged President Biden to take action. The U.S. Embassy will send a diplomat to her hearing on Friday, and the State Department continues to claim she’s been “wrongfully detained.” Russia’s continued detention — which reportedly includes another six-month extension — has been widely viewed as a political tactic, using Griner as a pawn for leverage. Friday’s trial details will certainly yield more information.

 

Griner was named an honorary WNBA All-Star starter last week for the game on July 10 in Chicago.

 

Additional Storylines

Yahoo! Sports: Brittney Griner’s Detention in Russia Extended by 6 Months

NBC News: WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Trial Set for July 1st in Russia

 

Photo: Kirill Kudrayavtsev / Getty Images