US Charge d’Affairs Elizabeth Rood, who attended Friday’s court hearing in Khimki, outside of Moscow, reported to reporters that she had been able to speak with the WNBA player, who was “doing fine.”
Brittney Griner told a US diplomat that she is “keeping the faith” after appearing in a Russian court on charges of cannabis possession.
US Charge d’Affairs Elizabeth Rood, who attended Friday’s court hearing in Khimki, outside of Moscow, reported to reporters that she had been able to speak with the WNBA player, who was “doing fine.”
In February, the 31-year-old was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow while traveling to play for the Russian national team.
According to police, she was carrying cannabis oil-filled vape cartridges.
If convicted of large-scale drug transportation, the Phoenix Mercury star and two-time US Olympic gold medalist face up to ten years in prison.
Griner’s supporters have advocated for a prisoner swap similar to the one that occurred in April and resulted in the release of marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy.
Russian news outlets have repeatedly speculated that Griner could be exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the “Death Merchant.”
He is currently serving a 25-year sentence for conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and aiding a terrorist organization.
However, the vast disparity between the alleged drug charges against Griner and Bout’s global dealings in lethal weapons could make such a swap unlikely.
In addition, the athlete’s detention occurs at a time when relations between the two countries are at an all-time low due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Washington has imposed sweeping sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion, while Moscow has criticized the US for sending weapons to Ukraine.
Griner’s wife, Cherelle, called her a “political pawn” and urged US President Joe Biden to secure her release.
Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that politics played any role in the athlete’s detention and prosecution.
“The facts are that the famous athlete was apprehended with illegal medication containing narcotics,” he informed reporters.
“In light of what I’ve said, it cannot be political,” he continued.
