WNBA star Brittney Griner was ordered to stand trial Friday in Russia on cannabis possession charges and must stay in custody for the duration of her trial. She could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 27, 2022. | Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP PhotoMOSCOW — Shackled and looking wary, WNBA star Brittney Griner was ordered to stand trial Friday by a court near Moscow on cannabis possession charges, about 4 1/2 months after her arrest at an airport while returning to play for a Russian team.
Her detention and trial come at an extraordinarily low point in Moscow-Washington relations. She was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, which aggravated already-high tensions with sweeping sanctions by the United States and Russia’s denunciation of U.S. weapon supplies to Ukraine.
Her supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WNBA star Brittney Griner ordered to trial Friday in RussiaThe Phoenix Mercury star — considered in some polls to be the United States’ most gifted female athlete — could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs.
Read more »
Russia sets July 1 as start date for trial of US basketball star Brittney GrinerThe WNBA star could remain in Russian custody until late autumn as the court extended her detention for the fourth time.
Read more »
Q&A: Why is Brittney Griner detained in Russia and when might she be released?WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17. Her arrest, incarceration and the fight to bring her home has triggered extensive questions The Times asked an array of experts to help answer.
Read more »
WNBA star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court, criminal trial set for July 1WNBA star Brittney Griner appeared in court for a preliminary hearing ahead of her July 1 trial, more than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession. On Monday, the court extended her detention for another six months.
Read more »
WNBA Basketball Star Brittney Griner Appears In Russian Court Ahead Of TrialThe Phoenix Mercury star was ordered to stand Friday and could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs.
Read more »
Brittney Griner Is a Rallying Cry for the LGBTQ+ CommunityOPINION | Brittney Griner's case should galvanize fans, public officials, and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations to use their voices to fight against marijuana prohibition, a policy that’s rooted in racism and homophobia
Read more »