Russian court sets start date for Brittney Griner's trial

Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia in February. James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Russian court sets July 1 start date for Brittney Griner's criminal trial

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/27/22

While her Phoenix Mercury teammates continue their 2022 season and approach the All-Star Game , two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Star Brittney Griner is still being held in custody by the Russian government. Griner was arrested in February at a Moscow-area airport while entering the country after Russian prosecutors said she illegally brought vape cartridges containing hashish oil.

In early May however, the U.S. government declared the center to be wrongfully detained.

On Monday, it was reported that Griner's criminal trial will begin at the end of the week.

Brittney Griner appeared in a Russian court Monday for a preliminary hearing ahead of her trial beginning July 1 for alleged cannabis possession.

She could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. More: https://t.co/xv5taTfs3A pic.twitter.com/yGSRGian4G
— ESPN (@espn) June 27, 2022

According to an ESPN report, "fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned."

"On Monday, the court in the Moscow suburb of Khimki extended Griner's detention for another six months after she appeared for a preliminary hearing held behind closed doors," the report read.

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