KHIMKI RUSSIA aEUR ” Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for over four months on drug charges. Friday’s trial saw new details from prosecutors.
The trial is being conducted by U.S. Embassy officials. Although press access is restricted, a group of journalists packed together to get a glimpse at Griner in handcuffs and a Jimi Hendrix shirt, as he was being led by guards into the Khimki City Court courtroom, just outside Moscow.
Griner was not required to confess her guilt or innocence during Friday’s hearing. This phase of the legal procedure will be completed later.
Griner was taken into custody on February 17th after police found marijuana vape cartridges in Griner’s luggage at an airport in Moscow. If she is convicted of drug smuggling, Griner could spend up to 10 years prison.
Friday’s court session saw Griner’s case unveiled by the prosecutors.
Russian state news agency Tass had a staff member present in courtroom. It reported that Griner, who was traveling to Russia in February 2018, “bought two cartridges” that contained 0.45 grams and 0.252 grams of hash oil.
The cartridges were discovered in the luggage of the basketball star when she flew from New York to Sheremetyevo International Airport, Khimki.
Alexander Boikov (Griner’s lawyer) said that two witnesses were called to testify for the prosecution. They were customs agents working at the airport at the time Griner’s bags were being inspected. He said that the defense will likely be heard at four hearings.
Boikov stated that Griner is currently “a bit concerned” about Griner’s mental state. “But she’s a tough woman and I believe she will manage.”
The next hearing is scheduled for July 7. Griner was ordered to remain in Russian custody for the duration of her trial by a Russian judge.
U.S. Deputy Chief Mission Elizabeth Rood stated that she spoke to Griner during Friday’s hearing.
“She asked me for my assistance in conveying that she is in good spirits, and is continuing to believe,” Rood stated.
The Biden administration declared Griner wrongfully detained in Russia by Russia’s government in May. The U.S. believes Griner was detained by Russia’s government because it wanted to leverage her.
U.S. John J. Sullivan, the Ambassador to Russia, stated this in May. He and other U.S. officials stated that their number one priority was to assist Griner and all Russian citizens being held in detention.
Terri Jackson, the executive director of the union that represents WNBA players, said to NPR she would like the president do more.
Statement from Elizabeth Rood, US Deputy Chief Of Mission after Day 1 of the #BrittneyGriner trial in Moscow. Today, the Kremlin insisted that the case was not politically motivated. pic.twitter.com/EPb1UnO4oj
“We want President Biden to meet with Cherelle Griner (BG’s wife). You know what? You know what? She deserves it.”
NPR was able to contact the White House about the request. A spokesperson for the White House stated that Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, and Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, spoke with Brittney’s spouse this week. The White House closely coordinates with the Special Presidential Envoy For Hostage Affairs who has met with Brittney, her family, her colleagues, and her support networks.
According to a spokesperson, the U.S. government “continues aggressively to use every available means aEUR to bring her home.”
Griner, 31 years old, is a two time Olympic gold medalist. She is also a star center for the Phoenix Mercury. Her ordeal began one-week before Russia invaded Ukraine and her detention was repeatedly extended. The request for home detention was denied.
Griner, like many WNBA players earns far more by playing overseas during the U.S. Offseason. Griner has been playing for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg for many years. It is owned by Iskander Makhmudov, an oligarch. The team has been associated with the Mercury for many years.
Jackson stated that “they know who they are” and cited Griner’s distinguished career in both the U.S.A. and Russia.
Jackson said, “She is a hero in their nation. Jackson stated that they are passionate about women’s basketball. They take their championships very seriously. Let’s not forget that she has given them many more than just a few.
Griner’s supporters are calling for Griner to be released. The WNBA will emblazon her initials as well as the number aEUR” BG42 aEUR” on its home courts.
According to the Kremlin, the case is not politically motivated. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated on Friday that he would not comment on the ongoing court case aEUR”, but then he spoke about the facts.
Peskov stated that Griner was arrested with “forbidden compounds that contained narcotic drugs.” Peskov added that only the court could issue any verdicts.
Recently, the State Department reiterated its Level 4 warning against traveling to Russia. The agency stated that Americans are also at risk in Russia due to disruptions resulting from Russia’s invasion Ukraine.
The advisory states that Russian security services had arrested U.S. citizens for spurious charges and singled out U.S. citizens living in Russia. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them in secret trials without providing credible evidence.
Maynes reported from Russia. Chappell reported in Washington, D.C.
