Article author:
Reuters
Brittney Griner, who has faced up to 10 years in a Russian prison, began a trial of illegal drug possession in a court near Moscow on Friday.
The WNBA All-Star was arrested in February before boarding a plane to the United States at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.
Police said she was carrying an arc canister in hemp oil. The Phoenix Mercury Center will face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.
At this week's pre-inquiry hearing, Grinner's detention was extended to December 20 for six months. Her acquittal requires government approval. Given the tensions between the United States and Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began, people close to Greener are afraid that she will be detained for a long time.
Greener was arrested on February 17, a few days before Russia invaded Ukraine.
The WNBA has nominated Greener as an honorary All-Star Starter, and her peers and coaches have spoken out about taking her home.
Russian media reported that prisoner exchange could eventually send Grinner back to the United States, but the protocol for returning U.S. citizens was convicted in court and Vladimirputin. It includes a formal amnesty from the president.
– Field-level media
