The circumstances of WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner's detention in Russia are extraordinary, but much remains a mystery as a crucial court date approaches next month.
Griner is easily the most prominent American citizen known to be jailed by a foreign government, but in many ways, her case isn’t unusual. Americans are frequently arrested overseas on drug and other charges and U.S. authorities are limited about what they can say or the help they can offer. The State Department generally can’t do much to help beyond consular visits and helping the American get an attorney.
The Phoenix Mercury star was detained at a Moscow airport in mid-February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis — accusations that could carry up to 10 years in prison, though some experts predict she’d get much less if convicted. She was returning to the country after the Russian League, in which she also plays, was taking a break for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.U.S.
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