The Russian trial into drug smuggling accusations against American women’s basketball star Brittney Griner will begin on July 1, with a district court extending Griner’s detention for a further six months.
Griner appeared at Khimiki District Court just outside Moscow for a preliminary hearing on Monday, where the start date of her trial was confirmed, according to Russian news outlet RIA.
Wearing glasses and a gray T-shirt, the basketball star was seen being taken to the courtroom in handcuffs.
The 31-year-old was detained on drugs charges after banned hashish vape cartridges were found in her luggage upon arrival at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport back in February.
Should she be found guilty on narcotics charges, Griner could face up to 10 years in prison.
Griner had arrived in Russia to play for women’s basketball team UMMC Ekaterinburg during…
