WNBA star Britney Grenier is seen before she appears in court as an upcoming hearing on alleged drug possession charges is scheduled in Russia on July 1.
American basketball star Britney Grenier arrives at a hearing in Khimki court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Greiner, two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, was arrested at Moscow airport in February on charges of being pregnant. Baggage cartridges with hemp oil, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
130 days have passed since Britney Greiner was arrested in Russia.
The number of days must be repeated, as her greatest defender reminded the world of exactly the period in which she was unjustly held in Russia with each passing day.
On day 130, those fighting to get Britney home got an update of sorts: They were finally able to see Greiner’s face after months of silence while she was being held.
Greiner remained silent as four Russian police officers took her into the courtroom, one of whom was leading a dog on a leash. The sight of an upset, handcuffed Greiner, accompanied by several guards and a bloodhound, was unsettling for anxious WNBA fans.
Phoenix Mercury Center Britney Greiner seen in custody months later
With a court date set for July 1, Greiner was ordered to remain in Russian custody during her criminal trial. according to ESPNGriner “could face 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale drug transport. Less than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases have been acquitted, and unlike the United States, acquittals can be voided.”
Griner’s detention was extended for an additional 6 months at the initial hearing.
ESPN’s TJ Quinn explained why legal experts expect Grenier to be indicted on drug-trafficking charges: because it is likely to be used as a political tool in US-Russia relations.
Officials and experts familiar with Graner’s case told Quinn that: “Russia has indicated it is willing to negotiate her release, and the legal proceedings are just a pretext to lend a luster of legitimacy to this saga.”
“The Russians have to keep pretending this is a legitimate arrest,” Dr. Danielle Gilbert, associate professor of military and strategic studies at the US Air Force Academy, told ESPN. There is no reason to believe that the charges are legitimate or that her trial will be fair. But if she is found guilty, the Russians will have made clear their credible alternative to the deal to bring her home.”
This is the exact situation that Griner’s friends, family, and colleagues feared upon her initial arrest, which is why they asked the media and WNBA fans Not to inflate her editorR – because Russia might then use Greiner’s detention as a political tool to negotiate a prisoner exchange.
Now, legendary figures from all over the basketball arena were loudly defending the release of the Griner, especially the Gamecocks coach. Fajr Staly. Her absence in the WNBA is being felt by everyone, but her Phoenix Mercury teammates are especially impacted by BG’s departure.
As it is, many believe that Britney Grenier will not return to her homeland after the amnesty from Russia – at least not without something in return.
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