Brittney Griner has a Friday trial date in her ongoing case in Russia. Griner has been detained in Russia since February after authorities allegedly found hashish oil in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo International Airport.
She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Jim Heintz of the Associated Press noted less than 1 percent of people facing criminal charges in Russia are acquitted.
Griner appeared in a Russian court on Monday and while she looked in great shape, she was surrounded by multiple security guards and had shackles on her wrists.
The U.S. Department of State categorized Griner as “wrongfully detained” in May.
“The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is among the highest priorities of the U.S government,” the State Department said in a statement. “The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner. … The U.S. government will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral WNBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Griner has received an outpouring of support stateside amid her detention.
