Houston, Tx
Brittney Griner in Russia: WNBA star’s detention extended two more months, state agency reports
The WNBA All-Star and Houston native has been held in Russia since February 17 after customs brokers claimed she had medication on her whereas flying into the nation.
HOUSTON — WNBA All-Star and Houston native Brittney Griner is reportedly having her detention in Russia prolonged till Could 19, in response to Russian state information company TASS.
“The courtroom granted the request of the investigation and prolonged the interval of detention of the US citizen Griner till Could 19,” TASS reported.
Griner has been held in Russia since February 17 after customs brokers claimed she had medication on her whereas flying into the nation.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above is from an earlier report of a reserving photograph being launched of Griner.
A reserving photograph of Griner was launched final week whereas she’s detained in Russia. The photograph was obtained by Russian State Tv and CNN.
In response to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Griner had flown to Moscow from New York, and in response to Russian officers, a canine indicated medication could also be in her carry-on baggage.
A Russian press launch mentioned {that a} skilled basketball participant had been detained for allegedly having vapes that contained cannabis oil in her airport baggage and that an investigation was underway.
The press launch does not point out Griner particularly. The New York Occasions recognized the participant as Griner, citing Russian information company TASS. Her detainment was confirmed by KHOU 11.
The reserving photograph reveals Brittney Griner holding up a chunk of paper. It isn’t clear the place she was when the photograph was taken.
Folks and organizations within the U.S. have been calling for Griner’s launch. Her spouse posted an announcement on Instagram earlier this month asking for prayers and privateness. A Change.org petition has been began to have the Houston native returned dwelling safely. As of March 17, it has greater than 63,000 signatures.
Cherelle Griner posted one other heartfelt message once more final week.
“We love you babe! Folks say “keep busy.” But, there’s not a process on this world that would maintain any of us from worrying about you. My coronary heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats on a regular basis that goes by. I miss your voice. I miss your presence. You’re our particular person! There are not any phrases to specific this ache. I’m hurting, we’re hurting. We await the day to like on you as a household.”
Griner has performed in Russia for the final seven years within the winter, incomes over $1 million per season — greater than quadruple her WNBA wage. She final performed for her Russian crew UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 earlier than the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Griner’s highschool coach shared her ideas with KHOU 11’s Anayeli Ruiz.
Richard Stoll, Albert Thomas professor of political science at Rice College, weighed in on whether or not public calls for for Griner’s launch actually make a distinction.
“Most likely not, however they could as effectively attempt,” Stoll mentioned.
As a result of the arrest occurred in February, Stoll does not suppose it initially had something to do with the present geopolitical local weather.
“I feel that every one occurred impartial of international coverage,” Stoll mentioned. “Now, it’s snarled due to what’s taking place within the Ukraine.”
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