Brittney Griner trial - live: Wife describes ‘gut-wrenching time’ in rally with Al Sharpton

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WNBA Star Brittney Griner's Supporters Rally For Her Release

More than four months after her arrest in Moscow, US women’s basketball star Brittney Griner has returned to court for the continuation of her trial for drug charges.

The two-time Olympian was led into court at Khimki City in handcuffs, clutching a photo of her wife Cherelle. She was joined by her lawyers and US embassy staff. Only a few journalists are permitted in court.

The charges against her include intentionally transporting narcotics. Facing up to 10 years in prison in Russia, Griner pleaded guilty but added there was no intent to break the law and she had packed in a hurry. She is hoping for leniency from the court.

Griner will give testimony later with the next court hearing scheduled for 14 July. Elizabeth Rood of the US Embassy was able to speak with her in court and share with her a letter from President Joe Biden.

A centre for the Phoenix Mercury, Griner had played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-season, Griner was arrested when Russian airport security say they found vape cartridges containing hash oil in her luggage.

Russian officials have said Griner can seek clemency or appeal after any verdict is handed down.

Key points

• Griner pleads guilty, could face 10 years in jail
• Lawyers counting on ‘leniency of Russian court'
• Biden and Harris speak with Brittney’s wife Cherelle
• Former US envoy to Russia supports idea of Brittney Griner prisoner swap deal
• Russian foreign ministry says Griner may appeal or ask for clemency after verdict
• What’s next after WNBA star pleads guilty in Russia?

[4 July 2022 23:12 · Oliver O'Connell]

Griner writes to Biden pleading for help in obtaining freedom from Russia

WNBA player Brittney Griner has written a letter to President Joe Biden pleading for help in freeing her from jail in Russia.

Ms Griner was detained in February by Russian authorities after customs officials allegedly found cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.

In excerpts shared by her representatives, she writes: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”

[4 July 2022 23:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

When is Brittney Griner back in court?

The drug trial of WNBA star Brittney Griner is underway in Russia.

On Friday, Ms Griner appeared in court and was put inside a cage during the proceedings, as prosecutors accused her of moving a “significant amount” of Cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow-area airport this February.

Her next court date is 7 July, at 2.30 pm in Khimki, a Moscow suburb.

[5 July 2022 01:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Former US ambassador to Russia calls attention to other detained Americans

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul says Brittney Griner is a victim of Vladimir “Putin’s evil authoritarian regime,” and the diplomat is urging the public to remember she’s not the only one.

On Friday, Mr McFaul called attention to Paul Whelen and Marc Fogel, who have been held in Russia on espionage and drug charges, respectively.

“Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan and Marc Fogel must all be brought home,” the former ambassador wrote on Twitter.

[5 July 2022 03:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Brittney Griner named honourary team member ahead of All-Star Game

Brittney Griner has been named an honourary member of the WNBA All-Star team ahead of the league’s upcoming All-Star Game, which is set to take place on 10 July.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelberg said there is “no doubt” the Phoenix Mercury hoops star would be on the team if she was not detained in Russia.

“It is not difficult to imagine that if BG were here with us this season, she would once again be selected,” Ms Engelberg said in a statement.

Ms Griner, has been on the all-league team every year since entering the WNBA in 2013.

[5 July 2022 05:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

‘Bring Brittney Home’ billboard launched at Washington arena

On Friday, a large-scale digital billboard went up outside of Washington, DC’s Capital One Arena, calling for Russia to release Brittney Griner.

“The trial renews concerns for BG’s well-being because it is occurring in another country, under a very different legal system, which most of us know little about,” sports journalist Tamryn Spruill said in a press release. “What inspires hope, though, is the steady stream of public support and media interest. Now, we’ve reached new heights, with these billboards going up at this very critical juncture. When people look up at them, I want them to see their partners, their daughters, their sisters, and their friends. Mostly, I want them to see themselves. Because none of us is free until all of us are free.”

Nearly 300,000 have signed a Change.org petition calling for the WNBA star to be released.

[5 July 2022 07:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Fellow WNBA star A’Ja Wilson calls for her ‘sister’ Brittney Griner to be released

Brittney Griner’s continued detention has weighed heavily on her fellow WNBA players.

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces recently had this emotional message about how her “sister” Ms Griner should be released.

Watch below, via ESPN.

[5 July 2022 11:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Is the US leaving Brittney Griner behind because she is Black?

Would Brittney Griner have gotten more support from the US government if she weren’t Black?

Commentator Michael Smith argued on MSNBC on Saturday the Biden administration hasn’t done enough to get behind the jailed WNBA star’s case.

“The United States claims to be prioritizing her situation,” Mr Smith said. “And I will take the U.S. Government at its word, but my fear is that Russia may value this Black woman more than the United States does.”

Watch his full comments below.

[5 July 2022 13:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Why the Brittney Griner case is a ‘sham trial’

The Brittney Griner case isn’t a normal court proceeding—it’s a “sham trial” that is “designed to create negotiating leverage,” argues ESPN commentator TJ Quinn in a new video.

“And how do we know it’s a sham trial?” he added on Twitter on Sunday. “Because Russia has offered to trade her. Once you’re negotiating over someone they’re no longer a defendant, they’re a hostage. Everything else is theater.”

[5 July 2022 14:12 · Oliver O'Connell]

‘Very disheartening’ White House has not responded to Brittney’s letter to Biden

Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle told CBS News this morning that it is “very disheartening” that she still has not heard back from the White House after Brittney wrote a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden.

The WNBA star made a direct appeal to the president for help to secure her release from prison in Russia, and for other Americans detained there.

[5 July 2022 14:30 · Oliver O'Connell]

Griner writes to Biden pleading for help in obtaining freedom from Russia

WNBA player Brittney Griner has written a letter to President Joe Biden pleading for help in freeing her from jail in Russia.

Ms Griner was detained in February by Russian authorities after customs officials allegedly found cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.

In excerpts shared by her representatives, she writes: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”