Russia’s TASS news agency reported on Tuesday that the pretrial detention of American basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia was extended to July 2 at the request of investigators.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) seven-time All-Star was detained at Moscow Airport on February 17, when multiple cannabis oil vapor cartridges were found in her baggage search. She can face up to 10 years in prison.
The U.S. Department of State has noticed through media reports that Russia has extended pretrial detention, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a media briefing Tuesday, repeatedly calling for her release.
“Brittney Griner should not be detained. She should not be detained for more than a day,” Price said.
“We are in constant contact with her case. We are in constant contact with her team and her network … we are regular and ongoing to all American detainees. We continue to seek access. “
The Greener team, Phoenix Mercury, and WNBA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A representative said Grinner’s family declined to comment at this time.
In May, the State Department determined that a 31-year-old two-Olympic gold medalist had been illegally detained and appointed a diplomat to release her.
On Monday, Phoenix Mercury met with the US State Department, including the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA).
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