Russian authorities accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Griner is currently being held in a pre-trial detention center north of Moscow. Her detention has been extended for six months pending the trial's outcome, according to her lawyer.
This week, the US national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Griner is wrongfully detained, unjustly detained and we have made that clear as an official determination of the US government. The US embassy Elizabeth Rood was seen arriving at court on Friday for the hearing of Griner's, according to a charge d'Affaires. Brittney Griner'sGriner's wife, Effort to free her doesn't match the rhetoric Brittney Griner'sGriner's wife: Effort to free her doesn't match the rhetoric No verdict is expected on the first day of her trial, which takes place outside the Russian capital, Khimki city court. The supporters of Griner said that they were concerned that the basketball star could be used as a political pawn, given the rising tensions surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Her detention, which has been extended repeatedly, has sparked a wave of support among dozens of organizations in the US that have joined Griner's wife, Cherelle, in urging President Joe Biden to strike an exchange deal with Russian authorities to release Griner and bring her home safely as soon as possible. When speaking to reporters in Air Force One earlier this week, Sullivan declined to detail the US efforts to resolve Griner's case, citing the sensitive matter, but maintained that the Biden administration is actively engaged. Griner was named a honorary WNBA All-Star Game starter last week, with the All-Star Game taking place on July 10 in Chicago. She said her detention is still tough on the team, Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard told reporters before the team's game Monday against the Indiana Fever. She expressed hope that Griner will return home soon and that President Biden will take the steps to make sure she comes home.