WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain detained in Russia for another 18 days after she was first arrested back in February. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for ESPY)
WNBA star Brittney Griner remains in police custody in Russia as officials continue to work to bring her home on American soil.
According to ABC News, on Tuesday a representative from the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region announced that Brittney will have to remain in custody for an additional 18 days at “the request of the investigation.” She is expected to remain in Russia in custody at least until July 2nd. The news of her extended detainment comes after Brittney’s team, the Phoenix Mercury, met with the State Department on Monday.
Following the meeting Diana Taurasi, a guard for the Mercury said,
“There is a lot involved in getting her back home and safe, they’re working relentlessly. We’re here to do whatever we can to amplify and keep BG at the forefront, which is more important than any basketball game and anything else that’s going on in our lives. We want BG to come home as soon as possible, it’s number one on our list.”
She added, “Knowing the State Department at the highest level, from U.S President Joe Biden to the team that is working on bringing back all Americans who are wrongfully detained, gives us a lot of confidence that they’re working on it.”
Brittney was first detained back in February after officials alleged that they found vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage. Brittney’s detainment was originally scheduled until May, which was also the same month U.S. officials declared her “wrongfully detained.” Unfortunately, her detainment was pushed back once again before an additional 18 days was just added.
As previously reported, Brittney’s wife Cherelle Griner sat down with Robin Roberts last month and said that she would like to speak with President Biden when it comes to getting Brittney home.
At the time Cherelle said, “I keep hearing he has the power. She’s a political pawn so if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.”
Brittney had been over in Russia playing basketball, and she was detained as she attempted to make her way home.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
