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Russian Court Extends WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Detention

   DailyWire.com
Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury is defended by Azurá Stevens #30 of the Chicago Sky during the first half of Game Four of the WNBA Finals at Wintrust Arena on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois
Stacy Revere/Getty Images

A Russian court has extended WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention for at least 18 more days.

Griner, held in Russia since February, will reportedly remain in custody until at least July 2, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

The announcement comes just one day after State Department officials met with Griner’s NBA team, the Phoenix Mercury.

“There is a lot involved in getting her back home and safe, they’re working relentlessly,” Mercury star Diana Taurasi said after the meeting. “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.”

The new report also comes after hopes that the State Department’s efforts would lead to progress in bringing Griner home to the U.S.

“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,” Taurasi said.

Last week, players from the NBA’s Boston Celtics showed support for Griner. Several players wore shirts before Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors with a QR code for an online petition on Griner’s behalf.

The petition has gathered more than 258,000 signatures that are being sent to the White House and State Department in Griner’s support.

“It is imperative that the U.S. government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home quickly and safely,” the petition stated in part.

The Daily Wire reported that Griner, the 6-foot, 9-inch superstar for the Phoenix Mercury, was allegedly caught at a Moscow airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil. She faces up to 10 years in prison under Russia’s strict anti-drug laws. Her wife, Cherelle Griner, appeared on national television in May, asking President Joe Biden to intervene.

“There is one person that can go get her, and that’s our president,” Griner told ESPN’s Angela Rye during the interview broadcast on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“He has that power. You know, I’m just like, ‘Why are we not using it? Like, urgently, use it.’ We’re expecting him to use his power to get it done,” she added.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said last month that a U.S. consular officer was able to meet with Griner on May 19.

Price reported that the officer “found her continuing to do as well as could be expected under these exceedingly challenging circumstances.”

He added, “But again, our message is a clear and simple one — we continue to insist that Russia allow consistent and timely consular access to all U.S. citizen detainees,” he added. “One-off visits are not sufficient, and we will continue to call on Moscow to uphold its commitments under the Vienna Convention for consistent and timely access, as well.”

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