Russian authorities have accused her of smuggling significant quantities of drugs, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Greener is currently being held in a detention center north of Moscow. Her detention has been extended for six months pending the outcome of the trial, according to her lawyer. Earlier this week, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that Greener was “unjustly detained, unjustly detained and we have made this clear as a formal decision by the US government.” No verdict is expected on the first day of her trial, which is being held in the Khimki city court outside the Russian capital. US Embassy Plenipotentiary Elizabeth Rudd also arrived in court on Friday to hear Greener. Greiner’s supporters have expressed concern that the basketball star could be used as a political pawn, given the growing tension amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her detention, which has been extended several times, has sparked a wave of support among dozens of U.S. organizations that have joined Griner’s wife Cherelle, urging President Joe Biden to enter into an exchange deal with Russian authorities for Griner’s release and her return home. safely as soon as possible. Speaking to reporters at Air Force One earlier this week, Sullivan declined to give details of US efforts to resolve Greiner ‘s case, citing a “sensitive issue” but said the Biden government had been “actively involved”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov said the case had no political motive when asked about CNN by Greener at a news conference on Friday. Although the Kremlin could not comment on the outcome of the trial, Peshkov said, Greener was detained after smuggling “illegal drugs containing drugs”, which is punishable under Russian law. “Based on what I said, her arrest could not be politically motivated,” Peshkov added. Greiner was named honorary champion of the WNBA All-Star Game last week, with the All-Star Game scheduled for July 10 in Chicago. Her detention is still “tough for our team,” Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygard told reporters ahead of Monday’s game against Indiana Fever. He hoped Greener would return home soon and that President Biden “would take steps to ensure that he returned home.”
