Following <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brittney-griner-guilty-of-deliberate-drug-smuggling-how-it-panned-out-for-two-time-olympic-gold-medallist-503715">Brittney Griner's conviction for narcotics possession and nine-year prison term</a>, discussion has turned to the possibility of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that would bring her home.

Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made that possibility known by saying that the United States had made a "serious proposal" to free Griner and another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan.

Such a bargain, should one can be negotiated with the Russians, is Griner's best hope of being released early now that her court case has been resolved and her sentence has been issued.

Though the guilty conviction was anticipated, the imposition of a sentence that her attorneys criticised as excessively long would give the United States further motivation to reach a favourable agreement with Russia as quickly as feasible. The formal conclusion of the court action may also provide both parties with the impetus they need to negotiate a diplomatic settlement.

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The Mercury and Sun hold a 42-second moment of silence for Brittney Griner before their game 🙏 
 
A Russian court sentenced her to nine years in prison earlier today 
 
(via <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNBA</a>) 
<a href="https://t.co/Lyt3SvmyOS">pic.twitter.com/Lyt3SvmyOS</a>
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1555343014444294144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A look at the issues at hand.&nbsp;

WHAT DID THE U.S. OFFER?

Other than to describe the offer as substantial and something he intended to discuss with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Blinken did not provide any specifics.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the United States offered to free Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was convicted and is currently serving a 25-year prison term after being accused of conspiring to sell tens of millions of dollars' worth of weapons to Colombia's former FARC guerrilla army. The group was categorised by the US as a foreign terrorist organisation at the time of his conviction, but that classification was removed last year.

Last Friday's phone call between the authorities was the highest-level communication between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine. Additionally, they are in Cambodia for conferences with foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RUSSIAN RESPONSE?

After his call with Lavrov, Blinken did not elaborate on his remark. Other than a statement warning the United States to pursue the Americans' liberation through "quiet diplomacy, without disclosures of speculative material," the Russians made no indication that they were interested in the offer.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary for the White House, claimed on Monday that the Russian government had made a "poor faith" offer in response, which was not taken seriously by American officials. She made no further mention of the fact that Moscow also demanded the release of a former colonel from one of its espionage services who was found guilty of murder in Germany last year, according to a report by CNN last week.

WOULD THERE BE A PRECEDENT FOR A PRISONER SWAP?

Yes, in many ways—and it's also recent. In April, Russia exchanged Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot serving time for a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, for Marine veteran Trevor Reed, who had been found guilty of striking a Moscow police officer.

That, however, involves a Russian who was considerably less well-known than Bout, a former Soviet air force officer who was the subject of a Hollywood film and was given the moniker "Merchant of Death" due to claims that he supplied weapons for civil wars in several nations around the world. He has steadfastly insisted that he is innocent.

However, there isn't much recent precedent for prisoner swaps being discussed in public before the deal is finalised and planes take off, at least not by the American administration. Blinken's revelation from the State Department briefing room was all the more startling in light of that.

On the one hand, it appeared to be meant to convey to the public that the administration will take whatever steps are necessary to repatriate Americans who have been unfairly incarcerated.

However, making such a public offer runs the risk of weakening the administration's bargaining position to the point that it makes the United States appear unduly eager to reach an agreement or sends a message to other nations that it is prepared to fulfil potentially unreasonable demands.

SO WILL THE DEAL HAPPEN?

It's difficult to say, but the interaction between Blinken and Lavrov does seem to indicate more development than previously. It also supports the notion that the two nations are eager to keep in touch despite the extreme tensions brought on by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Griner is the most well-known American being held captive abroad. She is a two-time Olympic gold medallist who has been arrested since February after authorities claimed they discovered cannabis oil-infused vape cartridges in her luggage at a Moscow airport. The conviction and sentence will only increase pressure on the government to find a deal that can get her out of prison quickly, even though several Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed opposition to a deal.

“Today’s sentencing of Brittney Griner was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn,” Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner’s agent, tweeted Thursday.

It may be challenging, but it is "essential" and the "proper thing to do" to reach a resolution for Griner and Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive serving a jail sentence on an espionage conviction that he and his family claim is unfounded. Whelan is likewise viewed by the US government as having been wrongly convicted.

Russian authorities, for their part, have said that they essentially view a conviction as a requirement for a prisoner swap.

President Joe Biden pleaded with Russia once more to free Griner on Thursday.

He promised in a statement that "my administration will continue to work relentlessly and pursue every available option to return Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible."

(As reported by Eric Tucker for AP)

Following Brittney Griner's conviction for narcotics possession and nine-year prison term, discussion has turned to the possibility of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that would bring her home.

Following Brittney Griner's conviction for narcotics possession and nine-year prison term, discussion has turned to the possibility of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that would bring her home. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made that possibility known by saying that the United States had made a "serious proposal" to free Griner and another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan. Such a bargain, should one can be negotiated with the Russians, is Griner's best hope of being released early now that her court case has been resolved and her sentence has been issued. Though the guilty conviction was anticipated, the imposition of a sentence that her attorneys criticised as excessively long would give the United States further motivation to reach a favourable agreement with Russia as quickly as feasible. The formal conclusion of the court action may also provide both parties with the impetus they need to negotiate a diplomatic settlement. The Mercury and Sun hold a 42-second moment of silence for Brittney Griner before their game 🙏 A Russian court sentenced her to nine years in prison earlier today (via @WNBA) pic.twitter.com/Lyt3SvmyOS — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 5, 2022 × A look at the issues at hand. WHAT DID THE U.S. OFFER? Other than to describe the offer as substantial and something he intended to discuss with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Blinken did not provide any specifics. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the United States offered to free Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was convicted and is currently serving a 25-year prison term after being accused of conspiring to sell tens of millions of dollars' worth of weapons to Colombia's former FARC guerrilla army. The group was categorised by the US as a foreign terrorist organisation at the time of his conviction, but that classification was removed last year. Last Friday's phone call between the authorities was the highest-level communication between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine. Additionally, they are in Cambodia for conferences with foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations. WHAT HAS BEEN THE RUSSIAN RESPONSE? After his call with Lavrov, Blinken did not elaborate on his remark. Other than a statement warning the United States to pursue the Americans' liberation through "quiet diplomacy, without disclosures of speculative material," the Russians made no indication that they were interested in the offer. Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary for the White House, claimed on Monday that the Russian government had made a "poor faith" offer in response, which was not taken seriously by American officials. She made no further mention of the fact that Moscow also demanded the release of a former colonel from one of its espionage services who was found guilty of murder in Germany last year, according to a report by CNN last week. WOULD THERE BE A PRECEDENT FOR A PRISONER SWAP? Yes, in many ways—and it's also recent. In April, Russia exchanged Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot serving time for a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, for Marine veteran Trevor Reed, who had been found guilty of striking a Moscow police officer. That, however, involves a Russian who was considerably less well-known than Bout, a former Soviet air force officer who was the subject of a Hollywood film and was given the moniker "Merchant of Death" due to claims that he supplied weapons for civil wars in several nations around the world. He has steadfastly insisted that he is innocent. However, there isn't much recent precedent for prisoner swaps being discussed in public before the deal is finalised and planes take off, at least not by the American administration. Blinken's revelation from the State Department briefing room was all the more startling in light of that. On the one hand, it appeared to be meant to convey to the public that the administration will take whatever steps are necessary to repatriate Americans who have been unfairly incarcerated. However, making such a public offer runs the risk of weakening the administration's bargaining position to the point that it makes the United States appear unduly eager to reach an agreement or sends a message to other nations that it is prepared to fulfil potentially unreasonable demands. SO WILL THE DEAL HAPPEN? It's difficult to say, but the interaction between Blinken and Lavrov does seem to indicate more development than previously. It also supports the notion that the two nations are eager to keep in touch despite the extreme tensions brought on by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Griner is the most well-known American being held captive abroad. She is a two-time Olympic gold medallist who has been arrested since February after authorities claimed they discovered cannabis oil-infused vape cartridges in her luggage at a Moscow airport. The conviction and sentence will only increase pressure on the government to find a deal that can get her out of prison quickly, even though several Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed opposition to a deal. “Today’s sentencing of Brittney Griner was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn,” Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner’s agent, tweeted Thursday. It may be challenging, but it is "essential" and the "proper thing to do" to reach a resolution for Griner and Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive serving a jail sentence on an espionage conviction that he and his family claim is unfounded. Whelan is likewise viewed by the US government as having been wrongly convicted. Russian authorities, for their part, have said that they essentially view a conviction as a requirement for a prisoner swap. President Joe Biden pleaded with Russia once more to free Griner on Thursday. He promised in a statement that "my administration will continue to work relentlessly and pursue every available option to return Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible." (As reported by Eric Tucker for AP)

Explained: Efforts to get Brittney Griner home

A Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges. The court near Moscow convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics.

Brittney Griner: US basketball star sentenced for nine years on drug charges

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence. The case against Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, plunged her into a geopolitical maelstrom after Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February&nbsp;24.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had previously agreed on a diplomatic channel that should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges. "We are ready to discuss this topic, but within the framework of the channel that was agreed upon by presidents Putin and Biden," Lavrov said during a visit to Cambodia.

"If the Americans decide to once again resort to public diplomacy ... that is their business and I would even say that it is their problem."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels. He said Griner’s conviction highlighted her wrongful detention by Russia and further compounded the injustice that had been done to her.&nbsp; 
 
The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a swap, saying that if prisoner exchanges were discussed in the media, they would never happen.

"The Americans have already made that mistake, suddenly deciding to use megaphone diplomacy to resolve these issues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This is not how they are resolved."&nbsp;Peskov declined to comment on the court’s ruling on Griner. When asked if she could be pardoned, he said that the clemency procedure was coded in Russian laws.

Griner’s sentence — which Biden called "unacceptable" — could pave the way for a prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States. The United States has already made what Blinken called a "substantial offer" to secure the release of Americans detained in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brittney-griner-guilty-of-deliberate-drug-smuggling-how-it-panned-out-for-two-time-olympic-gold-medallist-503715">Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling: How it panned out for two-time Olympic gold medallist</a>

‘A SERIOUS PROPOSAL’ 
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after Griner’s sentencing that the United States had made Russia a serious proposal. "We urge them to accept it," he said. "They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it." Kirby did not provide further detail on the U.S. proposal. 
 
Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters.

Russia had tried to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany, to the proposed swap, a source familiar with the proceedings also told Reuters. Russia and the United States staged a prisoner swap in April, trading former Marine Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States.

Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish&nbsp; oil in her luggage. The United States argued she was wrongly detained and being used as a political bargaining chip by Moscow. Russian officials dismissed the U.S. assertion, saying Griner had broken Russian law and should be judged accordingly.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-court-finds-basketball-star-brittney-griner-guilty-of-deliberate-drug-smuggling-503695">Russia court finds basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling</a>

Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, said she had made an honest mistake by inadvertently packing her vape cartridges as she rushed to make her flight. She pleaded guilty to the changes against her but insisted that she did not intend to break Russian law.

Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence.

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence. The case against Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, plunged her into a geopolitical maelstrom after Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had previously agreed on a diplomatic channel that should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges. "We are ready to discuss this topic, but within the framework of the channel that was agreed upon by presidents Putin and Biden," Lavrov said during a visit to Cambodia. "If the Americans decide to once again resort to public diplomacy ... that is their business and I would even say that it is their problem." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels. He said Griner’s conviction highlighted her wrongful detention by Russia and further compounded the injustice that had been done to her. The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a swap, saying that if prisoner exchanges were discussed in the media, they would never happen. "The Americans have already made that mistake, suddenly deciding to use megaphone diplomacy to resolve these issues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This is not how they are resolved." Peskov declined to comment on the court’s ruling on Griner. When asked if she could be pardoned, he said that the clemency procedure was coded in Russian laws. Griner’s sentence — which Biden called "unacceptable" — could pave the way for a prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States. The United States has already made what Blinken called a "substantial offer" to secure the release of Americans detained in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling: How it panned out for two-time Olympic gold medallist ‘A SERIOUS PROPOSAL’ White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after Griner’s sentencing that the United States had made Russia a serious proposal. "We urge them to accept it," he said. "They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it." Kirby did not provide further detail on the U.S. proposal. Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters. Russia had tried to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany, to the proposed swap, a source familiar with the proceedings also told Reuters. Russia and the United States staged a prisoner swap in April, trading former Marine Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States. Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. The United States argued she was wrongly detained and being used as a political bargaining chip by Moscow. Russian officials dismissed the U.S. assertion, saying Griner had broken Russian law and should be judged accordingly. ALSO READ | Russia court finds basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, said she had made an honest mistake by inadvertently packing her vape cartridges as she rushed to make her flight. She pleaded guilty to the changes against her but insisted that she did not intend to break Russian law. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Brittney Griner convicted: A day after verdict, Russia ready to discuss swap with US

A Russian court on Thursday found U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia despite them being illegal, after the athlete said she had made an honest mistake by packing them.

Her sentencing, which is due to take place within hours, could pave the way for a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States that would include the 31-year-old athlete and an imprisoned Russian who was once a prolific arms dealer.

Griner had admitted bringing in the vape cartridges infused with hashish oil, but earlier pleaded with the court`s judge not to "end her life" with a harsh prison sentence, before breaking down in tears in court. 
The Russian prosecutor called for Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, to be sentenced to 9-1/2 years prison if she was found guilty of bringing illegal drugs into the country.

Griner was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty but said she had neither intended to bring a banned substance to Russia nor to hurt anybody.

"I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn`t end my life here," Griner said in court before breaking down in tears. "My parents taught me two important things: one, take ownership of your responsibilities and two, work hard for everything that you have. That`s why I pled guilty to my charges."

The case threw the Texan athlete into the geopolitical maelstrom triggered when President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. With U.S.-Russian relations at their most strained since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden is under pressure to intervene on behalf of Americans held in Russia.

"I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom," Griner said. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brittney-griner-trial-basketballers-lawyer-says-some-of-her-case-files-were-drawn-up-in-violation-of-law-503646">Brittney Griner trial: Basketballer's lawyer says some of her case files were drawn up in violation of law</a>

SPORTING LEGEND 
Griner`s lawyers told the court she should be acquitted but that if the court deemed it necessary to punish her, she should be treated leniently, casting her as a sporting legend alongside Usain Bolt and Michael Schumacher.

"In sprinting there is Usain Bolt, in Formula 1 Michael Schumacher, and in women`s basketball there is Brittney Griner," lawyer Maria Blagovolina, a partner at Rybalkin Gortsunyan Dyakin and Partners law firm, told the court.

Alexander Boikov, her other lawyer, said some of the case files were drawn up in violation of the law. The United States has said Griner was wrongfully detained and has offered to exchange Russian prisoners for American citizens including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. "I want to say again that I had no intent on breaking any Russians laws," Griner told the court. "I had no intent, I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime."

GEOPOLITICAL `PAWN`?

One source familiar with the situation said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, whose life helped inspire the 2005 Hollywood film "Lord of War" starring Nicholas Cage. 
Russian officials have said a deal has not been reached. They argue that Griner - known as "BG" to basketball fans - violated laws and should be judged accordingly. Griner appeared at the hearing in a grey T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses. Before taking a seat in the defendant`s cage, she held up a team picture of UMMC Ekaterinburg, the team she played for in Russia during the WNBA offseason.

In her testimony last week, Griner expressed puzzlement as to how the vape cartridges ended up in her luggage as she was flying back to Russia to join UMMC Ekaterinburg for the playoffs. "I still don`t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag," said Griner, the first pick overall in the 2013 WNBA draft. "If I had to guess on how they ended up in my bags, I was in a rush packing."

Griner had been prescribed medical marijuana in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, a treatment method that is common among elite athletes because it has fewer side effects than some painkillers.

A Russian court on Thursday found U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia despite them being illegal, after the athlete said she had made an honest mistake by packing them.

A Russian court on Thursday found U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia despite them being illegal, after the athlete said she had made an honest mistake by packing them. Her sentencing, which is due to take place within hours, could pave the way for a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States that would include the 31-year-old athlete and an imprisoned Russian who was once a prolific arms dealer. Griner had admitted bringing in the vape cartridges infused with hashish oil, but earlier pleaded with the court`s judge not to "end her life" with a harsh prison sentence, before breaking down in tears in court. The Russian prosecutor called for Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, to be sentenced to 9-1/2 years prison if she was found guilty of bringing illegal drugs into the country. Griner was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty but said she had neither intended to bring a banned substance to Russia nor to hurt anybody. "I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn`t end my life here," Griner said in court before breaking down in tears. "My parents taught me two important things: one, take ownership of your responsibilities and two, work hard for everything that you have. That`s why I pled guilty to my charges." The case threw the Texan athlete into the geopolitical maelstrom triggered when President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. With U.S.-Russian relations at their most strained since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden is under pressure to intervene on behalf of Americans held in Russia. "I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom," Griner said. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner trial: Basketballer's lawyer says some of her case files were drawn up in violation of law SPORTING LEGEND Griner`s lawyers told the court she should be acquitted but that if the court deemed it necessary to punish her, she should be treated leniently, casting her as a sporting legend alongside Usain Bolt and Michael Schumacher. "In sprinting there is Usain Bolt, in Formula 1 Michael Schumacher, and in women`s basketball there is Brittney Griner," lawyer Maria Blagovolina, a partner at Rybalkin Gortsunyan Dyakin and Partners law firm, told the court. Alexander Boikov, her other lawyer, said some of the case files were drawn up in violation of the law. The United States has said Griner was wrongfully detained and has offered to exchange Russian prisoners for American citizens including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. "I want to say again that I had no intent on breaking any Russians laws," Griner told the court. "I had no intent, I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime." GEOPOLITICAL `PAWN`? One source familiar with the situation said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, whose life helped inspire the 2005 Hollywood film "Lord of War" starring Nicholas Cage. Russian officials have said a deal has not been reached. They argue that Griner - known as "BG" to basketball fans - violated laws and should be judged accordingly. Griner appeared at the hearing in a grey T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses. Before taking a seat in the defendant`s cage, she held up a team picture of UMMC Ekaterinburg, the team she played for in Russia during the WNBA offseason. In her testimony last week, Griner expressed puzzlement as to how the vape cartridges ended up in her luggage as she was flying back to Russia to join UMMC Ekaterinburg for the playoffs. "I still don`t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag," said Griner, the first pick overall in the 2013 WNBA draft. "If I had to guess on how they ended up in my bags, I was in a rush packing." Griner had been prescribed medical marijuana in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, a treatment method that is common among elite athletes because it has fewer side effects than some painkillers.

Russia court finds basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling

Alexander Boikov, a lawyer of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, who is awaiting sentencing on drugs charges in Russia, said on Thursday during closing arguments in her trial that some of the case files in relation to Griner were drawn up in violation of the law.

A Russian state prosecutor has asked for 9.5 years in prison for Griner, who was convicted of bringing cannabis into Russia. Griner`s defence team have requested a more lenient sentence.

Griner, on Thursday, asked a Russian court not to "end my life" as prosecutors requested she be sentenced to nine and a half years in prison on drug smuggling charges. "I made an honest mistake and I hope that your ruling doesn't end my life here," she told the court in the town of Khimki just outside Moscow.

Alexander Boikov, a lawyer of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, who is awaiting sentencing on drugs charges in Russia, said on Thursday during closing arguments in her trial that some of the case files in relation to Griner were drawn up in violation of the law.

Alexander Boikov, a lawyer of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, who is awaiting sentencing on drugs charges in Russia, said on Thursday during closing arguments in her trial that some of the case files in relation to Griner were drawn up in violation of the law. A Russian state prosecutor has asked for 9.5 years in prison for Griner, who was convicted of bringing cannabis into Russia. Griner`s defence team have requested a more lenient sentence. Griner, on Thursday, asked a Russian court not to "end my life" as prosecutors requested she be sentenced to nine and a half years in prison on drug smuggling charges. "I made an honest mistake and I hope that your ruling doesn't end my life here," she told the court in the town of Khimki just outside Moscow.

Brittney Griner trial: Basketballer's lawyer says some of her case files were drawn up in violation of law

The Russian drugs trial of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner should be over "very soon", her lawyer said on Tuesday, as the Kremlin warned the United States that megaphone diplomacy would not secure a prisoner swap for the 31-year-old Texan.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She has pleaded guilty to the drugs charges against her but has denied that she intended to break Russian law. She faces up to 10 years in prison.

Lawyer Maria Blagovolina, partner at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm, said a verdict in the case was expected "very soon." The defence and prosecution are expected to deliver their closing arguments on Thursday. The case against Griner has highlighted Russia`s fraught relations with the United States, which have plunged to a new post-Cold War low over Moscow`s actions in Ukraine.

Blagovolina said Griner heard that Washington had made what Secretary of State Antony Blinken called a "substantial offer" to Moscow to release American citizens held in Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who had expressed surprise at the public nature of Blinken`s comments at the time, said on Tuesday that any talk of a possible swap needed to be discreet.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketball-star-brittney-griner-appears-in-russian-court-after-us-makes-swap-offer-502849">Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court after U.S. makes swap offer</a>

"We still believe that any exchanges of information on this topic should be discreet," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. "Megaphone diplomacy and the public exchange of opinions will not lead to results."

`THE END IS NEAR` 
Griner, who appeared in Khimki District Court outside Moscow in a plain khaki T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses, was both focused and nervous as her trial approaches its end, her lawyer said. "She still knows that the end (of her trial) is near and of course she heard the news, so she is hoping that sometime she could be coming home," Blagovolina said.

A source said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death". Blagovolina said a swap was "legally possible" after the verdict, which is expected no later than mid-August.

Griner testified last week that she could not understand how the vape cartridges had ended up in her luggage, speculating that she had inadvertently packed them as she rushed to leave. Griner had been her way to join her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States.

The Russian drugs trial of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner should be over "very soon", her lawyer said on Tuesday, as the Kremlin warned the United States that megaphone diplomacy would not secure a prisoner swap for the 31-year-old Texan.

The Russian drugs trial of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner should be over "very soon", her lawyer said on Tuesday, as the Kremlin warned the United States that megaphone diplomacy would not secure a prisoner swap for the 31-year-old Texan. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She has pleaded guilty to the drugs charges against her but has denied that she intended to break Russian law. She faces up to 10 years in prison. Lawyer Maria Blagovolina, partner at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm, said a verdict in the case was expected "very soon." The defence and prosecution are expected to deliver their closing arguments on Thursday. The case against Griner has highlighted Russia`s fraught relations with the United States, which have plunged to a new post-Cold War low over Moscow`s actions in Ukraine. Blagovolina said Griner heard that Washington had made what Secretary of State Antony Blinken called a "substantial offer" to Moscow to release American citizens held in Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who had expressed surprise at the public nature of Blinken`s comments at the time, said on Tuesday that any talk of a possible swap needed to be discreet. ALSO READ | Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court after U.S. makes swap offer "We still believe that any exchanges of information on this topic should be discreet," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. "Megaphone diplomacy and the public exchange of opinions will not lead to results." `THE END IS NEAR` Griner, who appeared in Khimki District Court outside Moscow in a plain khaki T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses, was both focused and nervous as her trial approaches its end, her lawyer said. "She still knows that the end (of her trial) is near and of course she heard the news, so she is hoping that sometime she could be coming home," Blagovolina said. A source said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death". Blagovolina said a swap was "legally possible" after the verdict, which is expected no later than mid-August. Griner testified last week that she could not understand how the vape cartridges had ended up in her luggage, speculating that she had inadvertently packed them as she rushed to leave. Griner had been her way to join her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner's Russian trial should be over 'very soon', says lawyer

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner returned to stand trial at a Russian court on Tuesday as the United States sought to secure her release with a prisoner swap to help her avoid up to 10 years in jail on drugs charges. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on February&nbsp;17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, the United States has made a “substantial offer” to Russia for the release of American citizens held in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. A source said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketballer-brittney-griner-treated-injuries-with-medical-cannabis-defence-argues-500806">Basketballer Brittney Griner treated injuries with medical cannabis, defence argues</a>

Russia said that there was no deal yet, and Griner is unlikely to be swapped until there is a verdict, which could happen by mid-August. Griner, 31, has pleaded guilty to the charges against her but has denied that she intended to break Russian law.

Wearing a plain khaki T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses, Griner was ushered in courtroom by police at Khimki District Court outside Moscow.&nbsp;Griner held up personal photographs before taking a seat in the defendant’s cage. The two-time Olympic champion testified last week that she could not understand how the vape cartridges had ended up in her luggage, speculating that she had inadvertently packed them as she rushed to leave.

Griner had been on her way to join her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner returned to stand trial at a Russian court on Tuesday as the United States sought to secure her release with a prisoner swap to help her avoid up to 10 years in jail on drugs charges.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner returned to stand trial at a Russian court on Tuesday as the United States sought to secure her release with a prisoner swap to help her avoid up to 10 years in jail on drugs charges. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on February 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, the United States has made a “substantial offer” to Russia for the release of American citizens held in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. A source said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death”. ALSO READ | Basketballer Brittney Griner treated injuries with medical cannabis, defence argues Russia said that there was no deal yet, and Griner is unlikely to be swapped until there is a verdict, which could happen by mid-August. Griner, 31, has pleaded guilty to the charges against her but has denied that she intended to break Russian law. Wearing a plain khaki T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses, Griner was ushered in courtroom by police at Khimki District Court outside Moscow. Griner held up personal photographs before taking a seat in the defendant’s cage. The two-time Olympic champion testified last week that she could not understand how the vape cartridges had ended up in her luggage, speculating that she had inadvertently packed them as she rushed to leave. Griner had been on her way to join her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States.

Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court after U.S. makes swap offer

From Brittney Griner to Paul Whelan: Who are the Americans held captive abroad?

US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow.

Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange.

It quoted a senior administration official as saying, “We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians.”

For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Kremlin counterpart.

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Blinken told reporters that a phone call “in the coming days” with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “will not be a negotiation about Ukraine.”

It will focus on the release of detained Americans along with a grain deal to avoid a food crisis.

Reflecting the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan, the public acknowledgment of the offer comes at a time when the US has otherwise shunned Russia.

While WNBA star Griner was jailed in Moscow for drug possession, Whelan has been held by Russia for alleged espionage since 2018.

Claiming concerns that they only incentivise countries to detain Americans so they can be used as bargaining chips, the US government has long resisted prisoner swaps.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow. Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange.

US President Joe Biden’s administration has offered Russia a deal to secure the release of its two citizens held by Moscow. Citing people close to the matter, CNN reported that in order to bring home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout has been offered in exchange. It quoted a senior administration official as saying, “We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians.” For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak with his Kremlin counterpart. × Blinken told reporters that a phone call “in the coming days” with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “will not be a negotiation about Ukraine.” It will focus on the release of detained Americans along with a grain deal to avoid a food crisis. Reflecting the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan, the public acknowledgment of the offer comes at a time when the US has otherwise shunned Russia. While WNBA star Griner was jailed in Moscow for drug possession, Whelan has been held by Russia for alleged espionage since 2018. Claiming concerns that they only incentivise countries to detain Americans so they can be used as bargaining chips, the US government has long resisted prisoner swaps. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Biden offers deal to Russia for release of its two citizens held by Moscow

Two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist Brittney Griner has testified to drug charges in a Russian court. Griner, whom the US State Department has classified as wrongfully detained, faces up to 10 years in prison under the charge.

Brittney Griner testifies in Russia: 'Translation confusion during my arrest'

Russia said on Thursday that negotiations with the United States on exchanging prisoners are ongoing but there is no deal to swap detained U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for jailed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "so far there are no agreements in this area". 
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated that talks on prisoner exchanges had been going on for some time but without producing a result. They were responding to comments by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Washington had made Moscow a "serious offer" to secure the release of Griner and former U.S. marine Paul Whelan, also detained in Russia.

"The issue of the mutual exchange of Russian and American citizens in detention on the territory of the two countries was at one time discussed by the presidents of Russia and the United States," Zakharova said, apparently referring to conversations pre-dating Russia`s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. "They gave instructions to the relevant authorized structures to carry out negotiations. These are being conducted by the competent departments. A concrete result has not yet been achieved."

Negotiations would need to take into account the interests of both sides, she said. Blinken said on Wednesday he would discuss the Griner and Whelan cases with his Russian counterpart in the coming days.

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"When discussing such topics, you don`t conduct information attacks," Peskov said in an comment that appeared to reflect irritation with Washington`s very public diplomacy on the issue. On Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation confirmed a CNN report that Washington was willing to exchange Russian dealer Bout, who is serving a 25 year-prison sentence in the United States, as part of a deal. 
A Russian lawyer for Whelan has previously said he believed Moscow wanted Bout to be part of a swap for Whelan.

Griner, detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport in February with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage, was in the courtroom on Wednesday in the latest hearing of her trial on drug charges. The next hearing is set for Aug. 2. "From a legal point of view, an exchange is only possible after a court verdict," Griner`s lawyer in Russia, Maria Blagovolina, said in a statement.

Whelan was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison in Russia, accused of spying. He denied spying and said he was set up in a sting operation.

Russia said on Thursday that negotiations with the United States on exchanging prisoners are ongoing but there is no deal to swap detained U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for jailed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Russia said on Thursday that negotiations with the United States on exchanging prisoners are ongoing but there is no deal to swap detained U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for jailed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "so far there are no agreements in this area". Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated that talks on prisoner exchanges had been going on for some time but without producing a result. They were responding to comments by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Washington had made Moscow a "serious offer" to secure the release of Griner and former U.S. marine Paul Whelan, also detained in Russia. "The issue of the mutual exchange of Russian and American citizens in detention on the territory of the two countries was at one time discussed by the presidents of Russia and the United States," Zakharova said, apparently referring to conversations pre-dating Russia`s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. "They gave instructions to the relevant authorized structures to carry out negotiations. These are being conducted by the competent departments. A concrete result has not yet been achieved." Negotiations would need to take into account the interests of both sides, she said. Blinken said on Wednesday he would discuss the Griner and Whelan cases with his Russian counterpart in the coming days. ALSO READ | US basketballer Brittney Griner claims she didn't intend to smuggle drugs into Russia "When discussing such topics, you don`t conduct information attacks," Peskov said in an comment that appeared to reflect irritation with Washington`s very public diplomacy on the issue. On Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation confirmed a CNN report that Washington was willing to exchange Russian dealer Bout, who is serving a 25 year-prison sentence in the United States, as part of a deal. A Russian lawyer for Whelan has previously said he believed Moscow wanted Bout to be part of a swap for Whelan. Griner, detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport in February with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage, was in the courtroom on Wednesday in the latest hearing of her trial on drug charges. The next hearing is set for Aug. 2. "From a legal point of view, an exchange is only possible after a court verdict," Griner`s lawyer in Russia, Maria Blagovolina, said in a statement. Whelan was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison in Russia, accused of spying. He denied spying and said he was set up in a sting operation.

Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker

US basketball star Brittney&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;said at her trial Wednesday that she had no intention of smuggling drugs into Russia. "I did not think of or plan to bring banned substances into Russia,"&nbsp;Griner, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medallist, told a court in the town of Khimki just outside Moscow.

She&nbsp;was detained at a Moscow airport in February, just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;Here are some other quotes from Wednesday`s testimony by U.S. basketball star&nbsp;to a Russian court trying her for possession of drugs, after she was detained at a Moscow airport in February with vape cartridges containing hashish oil.

ON BEING DETAINED AT THE AIRPORT 
The seven years I`ve been coming back and forth to Moscow multiple times, I`ve never seen so many people working that day. There were a lot of custom agents and people behind the scanners that day. It was a little abnormal. I walked through the metal detector. And on the other side, I was instructed to come around and open my bag up.

There were documents that I had to sign. I can only assume that they were about the search and the cartridges. We had to use my phone and Google Translate for him (an official) to be able to tell me a little bit. There was a lady that was there that they said was an interpreter, but it was more just her telling me `surname, sign`. Really short words. She didn`t explain the content of the paper. I didn`t know exactly what I was signing.

No, my rights were never read to me. No one explained any of it to me. At that point, I got on my phone and I contacted my spouse, my sports agent and my club team`s translator.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketballer-brittney-griner-treated-injuries-with-medical-cannabis-defence-argues-500806">Basketballer Brittney Griner treated injuries with medical cannabis, defence argues</a>

ASKED WHY SHE RETURNED TO RUSSIA IN FEBRUARY 
It`s the most important part of the season, after the break. It`s playoffs. The whole season I worked, my team worked hard to get to a good position. There was nothing that was going to change that for me. I didn`t want to let my team down. I did know about the `do not fly` advisory, but like I said, there was nothing that was going to change my mind on coming back and finishing my duty for my team.

ON USING MEDICAL CANNABIS 
Because of my injuries that I`ve had over the long career of basketball. From my spine, no cartilage in my knee. I was in a wheelchair for four months. I broke my ankle and I also sprained my knee really bad. So I was wheelchair-bound. The benefits from medical cannabis definitely outweigh the painkillers that they prescribe. The painkillers have really bad side effects. Medical cannabis, there are honestly no side effects that harm you.

ON PACKING BEFORE LEAVING FOR RUSSIA 
The medical cannabis that was found in my luggage was my property, purchased in Phoenix. I still don`t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag. If I had to speculate, if I had to guess on how they ended up in my bags, I was in a rush packing. I was recovering from COVID, the stress of packing, making sure I had my COVID tests. Jet lag. And I was in a rush, throwing my stuff into my bag.

In the seven years that I came back and forth (to Russia), I never brought any substance that needed to be declared. And I didn`t plan on bringing any substance when I came on Feb. 17. The rules change everywhere on what you can and can`t bring into the country. And our team is always giving us updates and making sure that we know all the rules for whatever border we`re crossing or country we`re going into.

US basketball star Brittney Griner said at her trial Wednesday that she had no intention of smuggling drugs into Russia. "I did not think of or plan to bring banned substances into Russia," Griner, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medallist, told a court in the town of Khimki just outside Moscow.

US basketball star Brittney Griner said at her trial Wednesday that she had no intention of smuggling drugs into Russia. "I did not think of or plan to bring banned substances into Russia," Griner, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medallist, told a court in the town of Khimki just outside Moscow. She was detained at a Moscow airport in February, just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine. Here are some other quotes from Wednesday`s testimony by U.S. basketball star to a Russian court trying her for possession of drugs, after she was detained at a Moscow airport in February with vape cartridges containing hashish oil. ON BEING DETAINED AT THE AIRPORT The seven years I`ve been coming back and forth to Moscow multiple times, I`ve never seen so many people working that day. There were a lot of custom agents and people behind the scanners that day. It was a little abnormal. I walked through the metal detector. And on the other side, I was instructed to come around and open my bag up. There were documents that I had to sign. I can only assume that they were about the search and the cartridges. We had to use my phone and Google Translate for him (an official) to be able to tell me a little bit. There was a lady that was there that they said was an interpreter, but it was more just her telling me `surname, sign`. Really short words. She didn`t explain the content of the paper. I didn`t know exactly what I was signing. No, my rights were never read to me. No one explained any of it to me. At that point, I got on my phone and I contacted my spouse, my sports agent and my club team`s translator. ALSO READ | Basketballer Brittney Griner treated injuries with medical cannabis, defence argues ASKED WHY SHE RETURNED TO RUSSIA IN FEBRUARY It`s the most important part of the season, after the break. It`s playoffs. The whole season I worked, my team worked hard to get to a good position. There was nothing that was going to change that for me. I didn`t want to let my team down. I did know about the `do not fly` advisory, but like I said, there was nothing that was going to change my mind on coming back and finishing my duty for my team. ON USING MEDICAL CANNABIS Because of my injuries that I`ve had over the long career of basketball. From my spine, no cartilage in my knee. I was in a wheelchair for four months. I broke my ankle and I also sprained my knee really bad. So I was wheelchair-bound. The benefits from medical cannabis definitely outweigh the painkillers that they prescribe. The painkillers have really bad side effects. Medical cannabis, there are honestly no side effects that harm you. ON PACKING BEFORE LEAVING FOR RUSSIA The medical cannabis that was found in my luggage was my property, purchased in Phoenix. I still don`t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag. If I had to speculate, if I had to guess on how they ended up in my bags, I was in a rush packing. I was recovering from COVID, the stress of packing, making sure I had my COVID tests. Jet lag. And I was in a rush, throwing my stuff into my bag. In the seven years that I came back and forth (to Russia), I never brought any substance that needed to be declared. And I didn`t plan on bringing any substance when I came on Feb. 17. The rules change everywhere on what you can and can`t bring into the country. And our team is always giving us updates and making sure that we know all the rules for whatever border we`re crossing or country we`re going into.

US basketballer Brittney Griner claims she didn't intend to smuggle drugs into Russia

The defence team of U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, detained in Russia on drug charges, argued in court on Tuesday that she had used medical cannabis to assuage pain from injuries, like many other elite international athletes.

Griner, a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star who has played in Russia during the league`s offseason, was detained at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Medical marijuana is illegal in Russia.

She faces a possible jail sentence of up to 10 years in a case that has highlighted the fraught relations between Russia and the United States at a time of heightened tension over Moscow`s military intervention in Ukraine. A narcology expert summoned by the defence argued that medical cannabis was widely used to treat athletes where it was legal, and often had fewer side effects than other painkillers.

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"With the prescription in place, Brittney may have used it for medical but not recreational purposes," said lawyer Maria Blagovolina, partner at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm. 
Wearing round-rimmed glasses and a black and grey sweatshirt with "Black Lives For Peace" on the back, Griner listened to the proceedings via a translator.

Before taking a seat in the defendant`s cage, she held up a lined sheet of paper with pictures of her two best friends, a teammate and her wife Cherelle wearing her #42 Phoenix Mercury jersey, her WNBA team. 
The two-time Olympic champion, who has appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to secure her release, has pled guilty but denied she intended to break Russian law.

Griner -- known as "BG" to basketball fans -- will appear in court again on Wednesday, where she could be called upon to testify. A further hearing in the case is scheduled for Aug. 2, Griner`s defence team said. 
U.S. officials and prominent athletes argue the 31-year-old has been wrongly detained and have called for her to be released immediately. The Russian authorities dismiss the U.S. criticism, with the Kremlin saying the case has nothing to do with politics.

The defence team of U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, detained in Russia on drug charges, argued in court on Tuesday that she had used medical cannabis to assuage pain from injuries, like many other elite international athletes.

The defence team of U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, detained in Russia on drug charges, argued in court on Tuesday that she had used medical cannabis to assuage pain from injuries, like many other elite international athletes. Griner, a Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star who has played in Russia during the league`s offseason, was detained at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Medical marijuana is illegal in Russia. She faces a possible jail sentence of up to 10 years in a case that has highlighted the fraught relations between Russia and the United States at a time of heightened tension over Moscow`s military intervention in Ukraine. A narcology expert summoned by the defence argued that medical cannabis was widely used to treat athletes where it was legal, and often had fewer side effects than other painkillers. ALSO READ | Sports Ministry asks IOA to grant CWG Village accreditation for boxer Lovlina Borgohain's coach: Sources "With the prescription in place, Brittney may have used it for medical but not recreational purposes," said lawyer Maria Blagovolina, partner at Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm. Wearing round-rimmed glasses and a black and grey sweatshirt with "Black Lives For Peace" on the back, Griner listened to the proceedings via a translator. Before taking a seat in the defendant`s cage, she held up a lined sheet of paper with pictures of her two best friends, a teammate and her wife Cherelle wearing her #42 Phoenix Mercury jersey, her WNBA team. The two-time Olympic champion, who has appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to secure her release, has pled guilty but denied she intended to break Russian law. Griner -- known as "BG" to basketball fans -- will appear in court again on Wednesday, where she could be called upon to testify. A further hearing in the case is scheduled for Aug. 2, Griner`s defence team said. U.S. officials and prominent athletes argue the 31-year-old has been wrongly detained and have called for her to be released immediately. The Russian authorities dismiss the U.S. criticism, with the Kremlin saying the case has nothing to do with politics.

Basketballer Brittney Griner treated injuries with medical cannabis, defence argues

Lawyers defending U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner told a Russian court on Friday she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States for a chronic injury, a Reuters journalist at the courtroom reported. 
Griner pled guilty to drugs charges which carry a prison sentence of up to ten years after she was detained at a Moscow airport in February carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil.

The Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star appeared in court wearing a Nirvana t-shirt on Friday for the fourth hearing in the trial. She has said she did not intend to break the law, and U.S. President Joe Biden has said the United States is doing everything it can to secure her release. The Kremlin has downplayed the idea of a prisoner exchange, saying it is premature to discuss the possibility of swapping Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, for a Russian imprisoned in the United States.

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Griner`s defense team submitted documents on Friday to support her case that she did not intend to bring drugs into Russia illegally in the hopes of securing a more lenient sentence. In them, they said Griner suffered from chronic pain and that she had a permit issued in the state of Arizona for the use of medical cannabis.

In a hearing on Thursday, a Russian basketball club director gave evidence in support of Griner, speaking of her "outstanding ability" and "personal contribution to strengthening team spirit." Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the United States was scheduled to play for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg in the off-season - a common move for WNBA players. Griner first played in Russia in the 2014-15 season, and had prior stints in China.

Lawyers defending U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner told a Russian court on Friday she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States for a chronic injury, a Reuters journalist at the courtroom reported.

Lawyers defending U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner told a Russian court on Friday she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States for a chronic injury, a Reuters journalist at the courtroom reported. Griner pled guilty to drugs charges which carry a prison sentence of up to ten years after she was detained at a Moscow airport in February carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil. The Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star appeared in court wearing a Nirvana t-shirt on Friday for the fourth hearing in the trial. She has said she did not intend to break the law, and U.S. President Joe Biden has said the United States is doing everything it can to secure her release. The Kremlin has downplayed the idea of a prisoner exchange, saying it is premature to discuss the possibility of swapping Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, for a Russian imprisoned in the United States. ALSO READ | World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo in 2025 Griner`s defense team submitted documents on Friday to support her case that she did not intend to bring drugs into Russia illegally in the hopes of securing a more lenient sentence. In them, they said Griner suffered from chronic pain and that she had a permit issued in the state of Arizona for the use of medical cannabis. In a hearing on Thursday, a Russian basketball club director gave evidence in support of Griner, speaking of her "outstanding ability" and "personal contribution to strengthening team spirit." Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the United States was scheduled to play for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg in the off-season - a common move for WNBA players. Griner first played in Russia in the 2014-15 season, and had prior stints in China.

Brittney Griner trail: Lawyers defending basketballer tell Russian court she was prescribed medical cannabis

Two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court. Griner, whom the US State Department has classified as wrongfully detained, faces up to 10 years in prison under the charge.

US basketball star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug in Russia

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drugs charge in a Russian court on Thursday but denied she had intentionally broken the law. Griner was speaking at the second hearing of her trial on the narcotics charge that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, days after she urged U.S. President Joe Biden to secure her release.

"I`d like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn`t want to break the law," Griner said, speaking quietly in English which was then translated into Russian for the court. "I`d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare," she added. The next court hearing was scheduled for July 14.

Griner`s lawyer Alexander Boykov told reporters they were hoping for the most lenient sentencing possible. The two-time Olympic gold medallist was detained in February at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia, and has been kept in custody since. 
In a handwritten note, she appealed to Biden directly earlier this week to step up U.S. efforts to bring her home.

"I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don`t forget about me and the other American detainees..." Griner wrote. "Please do all you can to bring us home." Biden spoke to Griner`s wife on Wednesday, telling her he was working to have her released "as soon as possible", the White House said. 
U.S. officials and many athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans - who they say has been wrongfully detained.

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Her case has also prompted concerns that Moscow could use it as leverage to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian citizen in U.S. custody. Russian authorities say there is no basis to consider Griner`s detention illegal and that the case against her is not political despite Moscow`s fraught relations with United States over the Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

Moscow`s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday that it was difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested Washington stop talking about the fate of Griner. 
Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women`s National Basketball Association, had played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League to boost her income during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players. The Russian foreign ministry has said Griner could appeal her sentence or apply for clemency once a verdict has been delivered.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drugs charge in a Russian court on Thursday but denied she had intentionally broken the law. Griner was speaking at the second hearing of her trial on the narcotics charge that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, days after she urged U.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drugs charge in a Russian court on Thursday but denied she had intentionally broken the law. Griner was speaking at the second hearing of her trial on the narcotics charge that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, days after she urged U.S. President Joe Biden to secure her release. "I`d like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn`t want to break the law," Griner said, speaking quietly in English which was then translated into Russian for the court. "I`d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare," she added. The next court hearing was scheduled for July 14. Griner`s lawyer Alexander Boykov told reporters they were hoping for the most lenient sentencing possible. The two-time Olympic gold medallist was detained in February at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia, and has been kept in custody since. In a handwritten note, she appealed to Biden directly earlier this week to step up U.S. efforts to bring her home. "I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don`t forget about me and the other American detainees..." Griner wrote. "Please do all you can to bring us home." Biden spoke to Griner`s wife on Wednesday, telling her he was working to have her released "as soon as possible", the White House said. U.S. officials and many athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans - who they say has been wrongfully detained. ALSO READ | Basketballer Brittney Griner is 'keeping the faith', reveals U.S. Charge d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood Her case has also prompted concerns that Moscow could use it as leverage to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian citizen in U.S. custody. Russian authorities say there is no basis to consider Griner`s detention illegal and that the case against her is not political despite Moscow`s fraught relations with United States over the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. Moscow`s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday that it was difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested Washington stop talking about the fate of Griner. Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women`s National Basketball Association, had played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League to boost her income during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players. The Russian foreign ministry has said Griner could appeal her sentence or apply for clemency once a verdict has been delivered.

U.S. basketballer Brittney Griner admits Russian drugs charge, denies intent

U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner has made a direct plea to President Joe Biden to stand up for her in an emotional letter sent to the White House on Monday as she remains detained in Russia on drug charges.

Griner, who was held at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed multiple cannabis oil vape cartridges, went on trial on Friday and could face up to 10 years in a Russian jail. The case takes place against a backdrop of high tension between Moscow and Washington over the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. officials say Griner has been detained wrongfully.

"As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I`m terrified I might be here forever," she wrote in a letter, excerpts of which have been shared by her representatives. "On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. 
"It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year."

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Griner, who competes in the U.S. Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) but has also played regularly in Russia, was formally told at the first hearing that she was charged with intentionally importing narcotics into Russia. The judge set the next hearing for July 7.

"I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don`t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home," Griner added. "I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. "I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."

U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner has made a direct plea to President Joe Biden to stand up for her in an emotional letter sent to the White House on Monday as she remains detained in Russia on drug charges.

U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner has made a direct plea to President Joe Biden to stand up for her in an emotional letter sent to the White House on Monday as she remains detained in Russia on drug charges. Griner, who was held at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed multiple cannabis oil vape cartridges, went on trial on Friday and could face up to 10 years in a Russian jail. The case takes place against a backdrop of high tension between Moscow and Washington over the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. officials say Griner has been detained wrongfully. "As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I`m terrified I might be here forever," she wrote in a letter, excerpts of which have been shared by her representatives. "On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. "It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year." ALSO READ | Basketballer Brittney Griner is 'keeping the faith', reveals U.S. Charge d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood Griner, who competes in the U.S. Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) but has also played regularly in Russia, was formally told at the first hearing that she was charged with intentionally importing narcotics into Russia. The judge set the next hearing for July 7. "I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don`t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home," Griner added. "I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. "I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."

Basketball star Brittney Griner makes freedom appeal to President Joe Biden

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges. Rood, who attended the session in the Moscow suburb of Xhimki, said she had been able to speak to the WNBA player, who was "as well as can be expected".

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges. Rood, who attended the session in the Moscow suburb of Xhimki, said she had been able to speak to the WNBA player, who was "as well as can be expected".

Basketballer Brittney Griner is 'keeping the faith', reveals U.S. Charge d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington. 
Griner, a star in the U.S.-based Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, unleashing a broader confrontation with the West.

Russian authorities said the 31-year-old athlete was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a substance illegal in the country. She was charged with smuggling a large quantity of drugs, an offence that can carry up to 10 years in prison. U.S. officials and a score of athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans. They say she has been wrongfully detained and should be immediately returned to her family in the United States.

Griner`s detention also prompted concerns that Moscow could use the two-time Olympic gold medallist to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian in U.S. custody. Griner`s wife, Cherelle Griner, told CNN in an interview on Thursday evening that she was hoping for a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. 
"I would love for him to tell me he cares," Cherelle Griner said.

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The U.S. government has warned citizens against travelling to Russia in light of the "potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials". The Kremlin has said that Griner violated Russian laws and denied she was being held hostage amid Russia`s stand-off with the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week there was "no higher priority" than bringing home Griner and other Americans "illegally detained" abroad. Griner plays centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and is a seven-time WNBA All-Star.

For years, Griner played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players offered lucrative contracts by the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League. 
Griner`s detention, combined with Russia`s military intervention in Ukraine, prompted several foreign players to leave the Russian league.

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington.

U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russia on Friday on drug charges that could see her face up to 10 years in prison, in a case caught up in the fraught relations between Moscow and Washington. Griner, a star in the U.S.-based Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, unleashing a broader confrontation with the West. Russian authorities said the 31-year-old athlete was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil, a substance illegal in the country. She was charged with smuggling a large quantity of drugs, an offence that can carry up to 10 years in prison. U.S. officials and a score of athletes have called for the release of Griner - or "BG" as she is known to basketball fans. They say she has been wrongfully detained and should be immediately returned to her family in the United States. Griner`s detention also prompted concerns that Moscow could use the two-time Olympic gold medallist to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian in U.S. custody. Griner`s wife, Cherelle Griner, told CNN in an interview on Thursday evening that she was hoping for a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. "I would love for him to tell me he cares," Cherelle Griner said. ALSO READ | FIFA retracts suspension of Pakistan Football Federation The U.S. government has warned citizens against travelling to Russia in light of the "potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials". The Kremlin has said that Griner violated Russian laws and denied she was being held hostage amid Russia`s stand-off with the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week there was "no higher priority" than bringing home Griner and other Americans "illegally detained" abroad. Griner plays centre for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and is a seven-time WNBA All-Star. For years, Griner played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-season, like several other U.S. players offered lucrative contracts by the Russian Women`s Basketball Premier League. Griner`s detention, combined with Russia`s military intervention in Ukraine, prompted several foreign players to leave the Russian league.

Russia opens trial vs U.S. basketballer Brittney Griner

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP.

The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia.&nbsp;

On March 18, a Russian court extended&nbsp;the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russia-ukraine-exclusive-putin-should-be-behind-bars-ex-ukraine-president-tells-wion-466807">Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION</a>

Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years.

Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season.

The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800">War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat</a>

The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-allies-remain-cautious-as-russia-pledges-to-reduce-attacks-amid-the-russian-invasion-466831/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”. It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP. The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia. On March 18, a Russian court extended the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance. Also read | Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years. Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season. The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press. Also read | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS.

TASS reported that the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region ruled to detain Griner for at least two more months.

"The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner's detention until May 19," TASS quoted the court as saying.

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Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a semi-official body with access to Russian prisons, told TASS Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions, adding that Griner's only issue was that the prison beds were too short for her 6'7" frame.

Without identifying Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury, the Russian Customs Service said earlier this month a player was detained in February after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York.

TASS identified the player as Griner, citing a source. The Phoenix Mercury team, without elaborating, said: "We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia."

A scan of the player's luggage revealed cartridges containing "liquid with hashish oil", and a criminal case has been opened carrying a possible sentence of five to ten years in prison, the customs service said.

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It was not clear when in February Griner, who plays in Russia during the WNBA's winter off-season, was detained.

At a joint press conference with Moldova President Maia Sandu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration had assigned an embassy team to work on Griner's case.

Griner has won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national teams in 2016 and 2021.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS. TASS reported that the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region ruled to detain Griner for at least two more months. "The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner's detention until May 19," TASS quoted the court as saying. ALSO READ: All England Open: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal enter second round with respective wins Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a semi-official body with access to Russian prisons, told TASS Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions, adding that Griner's only issue was that the prison beds were too short for her 6'7" frame. Without identifying Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury, the Russian Customs Service said earlier this month a player was detained in February after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York. TASS identified the player as Griner, citing a source. The Phoenix Mercury team, without elaborating, said: "We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia." A scan of the player's luggage revealed cartridges containing "liquid with hashish oil", and a criminal case has been opened carrying a possible sentence of five to ten years in prison, the customs service said. ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Mark England named Chef de Mission for British Olympic team for third consecutive Games It was not clear when in February Griner, who plays in Russia during the WNBA's winter off-season, was detained. At a joint press conference with Moldova President Maia Sandu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration had assigned an embassy team to work on Griner's case. Griner has won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national teams in 2016 and 2021.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention gets extended by Russian court

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