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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWNBA star Griner's Russia detention extended for third time
Source: Associated Press
WNBA star Griners Russia detention extended for third time
June 14, 2022
MOSCOW (AP) WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, Russian state-run news agency Tass reported Tuesday.
The 31-year-old American basketball player has been held in Russia since February when she was detained at a Moscow airport after authorities there claimed she was carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. The U.S. Department of State last month reclassified her as wrongfully detained.
The Khimki district court of the Moscow region extended Griners detention for a third time, according to the Tass report, which also cited a top Russian diplomat as saying that Moscow will not consider including Griner in a detainee swap until a court investigation into her case is completed.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, according to Tass, was responding to US media reports that the Biden administration had offered to exchange convicted arms trader Viktor Bout for Griner. Ryabkov gave no timeline for the proceedings in the players case.
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/britney-griner-russia-detention-extended-0763f2ede0dc585099a990da5da38cba
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)I don't like to blame the victim and I will try not to here, but I'm still angry that she wasn't (?) warned about this travel--especially being gay and the well-known attitudes Russia has had toward LGBTQ (yes, I agree that the US may not be that far behind, but at least for now, the hateful Florida and Texas attitudes are not global). Had all forgotten about Pussy Riot and their saga? She could not have been detained at a worse time, obviously. I can only hope that Russia finds sufficient propaganda value in releasing her soon.
AZSkiffyGeek
(11,032 posts)A lot of WNBA players do, apparently. It wasn't a vacation - she was on her way to her job. If she really tried to bring vape cartridges in, she's dumb, but that seems like something easy to plant during customs inspection.
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)have an issue that put me at special risk and nor was I a very public person for whom those factors would be well known. The WNBA should have warned her. Ditto on anything that could be perceived as drugs. And, yes... She should have informed herself. If she did and chose to take the risk, then that's one thing.
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)in a near-dictatorial country where homophobia puts them at risk and where public targeting has been well-publicized, including but not limited to the whole Pussy Riot saga... Yes, of course, she could have informed herself and decided to take the risk anyway, but I tend to suspect she'd get a pass as a public figure from the US. Sadly, she has not.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,360 posts)money and having a blast.
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)I'm not talking about ALL WNBA players. She was very public about something that puts a target on her back while in Russia. I'm worried for her for that reason. She should have been warned. If she was and has accepted that risk, then fine. I hope she is safely returned soon.
AZSkiffyGeek
(11,032 posts)How is she any different than other WNBA players who winter in Russia because they cant make as much money here?
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)I'm not playing.
AZSkiffyGeek
(11,032 posts)hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)You are the one provoking an argument for no reason. You had a bad day, I guess. Go hit the trashcans, but I will not be your punching bag nor your false foil.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,360 posts)that hasn't been an issue. She couldn't have not known the usual risks; she faces similar risks in this country. What no one could have foreseen was that she or anyone would become a pawn in the war with Ukraine.
hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)hlthe2b
(102,304 posts)Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,071 posts)Wonder Why
(3,224 posts)I have found nothing (I am sure I missed it) stating whether she did or did not carry cannabis in vaping devices into the country. Has she said anything to that effect? Has she admitted to the Russian authorities that she did?
One thing a lot of people forget when visiting foreign countries is to consider their laws BEFORE going there. Doesn't matter if it is someone from Canada going to Europe or someone from Europe visiting the U.S. or a U.S. resident visiting Mexico. Every country has different laws and you have to understand what you are allowed to do and what you are not. Just because you are an American does not mean the Chinese government will allow you to talk about Tienanmen Square when there or dress as you might on an American beach while on one in Iran. You have a choice as to whether to go in spite of their laws and violate them or to go elsewhere instead.
That's why I ask the question. Trump's Master may be just taking advantage of the situation Ms Griner put herself in or she was set up by them falsely claiming or even planting the "evidence".
Can anyone cite a trustworthy site that tells us whether she made a mistake or they just did her in? In the first case, she is entitled to have the government see she is treated fairly, honestly and without pressure and gets a fair trial and a fair treatment if found guilty. If set up, she is entitled to the full weight of the government to the protection from a foreign dictatorship known for its war crimes and false punishments.