Following the release of former US marine Trevor Reed from Russian prison, the public has been curious to find out why Brittney Griner is still detained in Russia to this date.
On Wednesday, April 27th, US and Russian officials announced that Trevor has been released in a prisoner swap after he had been detained in Moscow in 2019, BBC reports.
Trevor travelled to Moscow to learn Russian and visit his girlfriend when he was arrested one night after attending a party, as per the outlet.
His release has reminded many people that one of America’s beloved basketball stars Brittney Griner remains detained in Russia. Here’s what we know about her case.
WHY IS BRITTNEY GRINER STILL IN RUSSIA?
According to a TASS report, Brittney is still in Russia because her detention has been extended until May 19th 2022.
“The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner’s detention until May 19,” a Moscow court said.
TMZ reported the basketball player had a hearing on March 17th, which was requested by her legal team.
The outlet noted that the WNBA star’s legal team had been able to visit her in jail on several occasions. While Brittney was “OK”, according to TMZ’s sources, she expressed desire to return home as soon as possible.
WHY WAS SHE DETAINED?
Brittney Griner was arrested at the Sheremetyevo Airport on February 17th 2022. Russian authorities claim they found vape pen cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage, The Independent reports.
On March 5th 2022, Russian Federal Customs Service issued a statement confirming in February they had detained a basketball player at the airport. Their statement didn’t include the name and identity of Brittney at the time.
Griner’s agent Lindsay Colas later issued a statement to the Guardian. It said: “We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA.”
RECENT STATEMENT FROM BRITTNEY’S AGENT
Speaking to ESPN, Colas said she is in “in close contact with [Brittney Griner], her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA.”
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern,” Colas added.
