WNBA star Britney Grenier’s detention in Russia has been extended until December 20, according to reports.
Russia’s TASS news agency reported that the decision was made during a preliminary hearing attended by Grenier on Monday.
Greiner is expected to remain in custody throughout this time, according to the Associated Press.
The WNBA star did not respond to an ABC News reporter’s question as she walked out of the courtroom on Monday. The next hearing is scheduled for July 1, when her trial is expected to begin.
Grenier was arrested at Russia’s Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 17 after being accused of carrying packages containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia.
“Our position has been very clear on this for some time. Britney Grenier should not be detained. She should not be held for one more day,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price said on June 14.
Russia has issued several extensions of its pre-trial detention. If convicted, Greiner, 31, faces up to 10 years in prison.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Britney Greiner leaves the courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki outside Moscow, May 13, 2022.
Alexander Zemlianchenko/AFP, file
Greiner’s wife, Sheryl Greiner, told the Associated Press that she did ‘No confidence’ In the US government after its handling of his wife’s arrest.
US basketball star Britney Greiner, in handcuffs, arrives at a hearing in Khimki court outside Moscow, June 27, 2022. Grenier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, was arrested at a Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying her luggage. E-cigarette cartridges with cannabis oil, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began one week after Grenier’s arrest. Some officials worry that Americans imprisoned in Russia could be used as leverage in the ongoing conflict.
Calls for Greiner’s release escalated after the release in April of US Marine veteran Trevor Reed, who was released from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange. Former Marine Paul Whelan has also been detained in Russia since 2019.
The US government designated Grenier’s case on May 3 as “unfairly detained.”
Sheryl Greiner said Robin Roberts, host of “Good Morning America” in May She would like to speak with President Joe Biden.
“I still hear that, you know, he has the power,” she said. “It’s a political pawn.” “So if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, I want you to do it.”
When asked about a possible meeting between Sheryl Greiner and President Biden, Jean-Pierre said, “We don’t have anything to share about a possible phone conversation or meeting.”
ABC News’s Tanya Stokalova contributed to this report.
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