Brittney Griner, WNBA star, was released in Russia on Tuesday, July 2. Russian state news agency TASS reported Tuesday that Brittney Griner’s arrest has been extended to July 2.
NBC News requested confirmation from the court.
Griner was taken into custody on February 17th at an airport Russian after authorities discovered vape cartridges containing cannabis derivatives in her bag.
The State Department classified Griner as incorrectly detained in May and gave oversight to Griner’s case to the State Department Presidential Embassador for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA).
Russian officials stated that Griner’s detention was extended to May 19th, as Griner had been released from prison in March. Alexander Boikov, Griner’s lawyer, stated that his client’s detention was extended to June 18 on May 13.
Monday’s meeting was between officials from the State Department and members of Griner’s WNBA team to discuss Griner’s detention.
Mercury star Diana Taurasi stated that there is much involved in getting her home safe and sound. She also released a statement from the Mercury. “We are here to do everything we can to amplify BG and keep her at the forefront. This is more important than any other basketball game or anything else in our lives. We want BG home as soon possible. It’s our number one priority.
President Joe Biden’s administration has stated previously that it is working to bring Griner, and another American, Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, home from Russia.
