Mash
Brittney Griner pled not guilty in a Russian court on Thursday … and will remain in custody for AT LEAST another two months after they extended the arrest of the WNBA star, who’s accused of bringing drugs into the country.
Video was released showing the Phoenix Mercury center walking, presumably outside the Moscow-area courtroom, flanked by two female guards. The footage is the first we’ve seen of 31-year-old Griner since she was taken into custody weeks ago.
Russian news agency TASS says the Moscow court granted more time to investigate the alleged crimes … and “extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19.”
As we previously reported, Griner has been in custody since February after Russian customs officials claim they found hashish oil (vape cartridges) in her carry-on luggage at an airport.
After her arrest, Russian officials said they opened up a drug trafficking investigation into Griner.
Everyone from NBA and WNBA stars, actors and actresses, to Griner’s wife has called on the country to release Griner … to no avail.
“There are no words to express this pain,” Griner’s wife, Cherelle, said earlier this month.
“I’m hurting, we’re hurting. We await the day to love on you as a family.”
Several prominent politicians have spoken out about Griner’s arrest — including Hillary Clinton, who recently wrote “Free Brittney” on social media.
U.S. Congressman Colin Allred — who also happened to attend Baylor U. — recently told us he hopes Griner doesn’t become a political pawn during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
TMZ.com
Many fear Griner — who has played pro basketball in Russia for years — could be used as a bargaining chip against America … as the west has levied very stiff sanctions against the country.
Source: Culled From TMZ.
