American basketball star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia has been extended until May, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region.
“The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of detention of U.S. citizen [Griner] until May 19,” TASS stated it was instructed by the press service of the courtroom Thursday.
Griner has been detained for weeks after Russian officers stated they discovered vape cartridges containing oil derived from hashish in her baggage on the Sheremetyevo airport close to Moscow.
The offense might carry a sentence of as much as 10 years in jail.
Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, instructed TASS that Griner is sharing a cell with two inmates who “had no previous convictions and are charged with drug-related articles.”
The have helped her order books, Kalugina instructed KASS — Dostoevsky and a biography of Rolling Stones members.
She added that Griner has had no complaints, however is, at 6-foot-9, too tall for the usual jail mattress.
Calder Hynes, who’s helping Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, in answering questions on Griner’s arrest didn’t instantly reply to questions on her extended detention Thursday.
Griner is a middle for WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and has performed in Russia for the final seven years within the winter. She final performed for her Russian crew UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 earlier than the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Griner, 31, has gained two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Mercury, and a nationwide championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star.
Griner’s spouse, Cherelle Griner, has since posted twice on Instagram about her spouse’s detention.
“My heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats everyday that goes by. I miss your voice. I miss your presence. You’re our person! There are no words to express this pain. I’m hurting, we’re hurting,” she wrote in her most up-to-date put up.
The detainment got here amid escalating battle created by Russia attacking Ukraine. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory for Russia and urged all U.S. residents to go away instantly.