WNBA star Brittney Griner’s fate will likely change after the United States announces her wrongful detention in Russia.
This confirmation came on Tuesday from the State Department. This case is set to be handled by Roger Carstens, the special presidential ambassador to hostage affairs outside the United States. Also, the State Department’s Office of Consular Affairs will take part in the case’s decision.
Griner was arrested in February over allegations of drug oil in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, Russia. According to officials, Griner’s suitcase had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. Under Russian laws, the alleged crime is punishable by ten years in prison.
Russian officials had stated that Griner would be in detention up to May 19th, where other procedures for her case would take place. The US State Department’s announcement means there is a high possibility that Griner would get her freedom a week before her trial.
The United States also vowed to look into the terms under which people are detained outside the country– alluding that Griner’s case will create lasting change.
Those close to Grier have claimed that she is doing great and has met her attorneys since she was in detention. However, the officials in Griner’s case have not provided any tangible information as to why the country decided for her release.
According to Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, she has been under detention for 75 days. The White House is expected to use all means to ensure that she is back in the United States. To date, her close associates should keep a low profile on the matter to avoid provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The WNBA announced that they will be honoring Griner by including her initials and jersey number on each court for the entirety of the season. The WNBA opening weekend begins Saturday.
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