Phoenix Mercury’s starting center Brittney Garner was taken into Russian custody after hashish oil cartridges were found in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in mid-February.
Griner, an Olympic medalist, was on her annual trip to Moscow, where she plays for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA’s off-season, when a liquid marijuana concentrate was discovered in her suitcase. Video evidence of Griner being stopped at the customs sector of the airport surfaced on March 5, and later the same day Grinerwas confirmed to be in Russian custody.
Russia’s marijuana regulations are stricter than the United States’, and medical or recreational consumption of the drug is illegal. Possession of over six grams of any form of marijuana is grounds for a years-long prison sentence in Russia.
The specific amount of marijuana concentrate Griner was carrying is unclear, but the Russian Federal Customs Service officials are determined to charge Griner and provide her with a lengthy sentence. On March 17, the court handling Griner’s case extended her detainment for two months, until May 19.
Freshman Ella Gambong contemplated the potential underlying motivation behind Griner’s confinement, “Maybe it was because she is a foreigner, especially an American, that they have put her in [prison],” she said.
Furthermore, the delay of Griner’s release has potential relation to the beginning of the WNBA season, an important source of entertainment for all of the United States that begins May 6.
Russia invaded American-ally Ukraine on Feb. 24, and the United States has since provided military and economic assistance to Ukraine. President Biden took the allyship even further by banning the imports of Russian oil to impose economic struggle on the country.
Therefore, the confinement of Griner, a popular figure in American entertainment, before her sport’s season could be viewed as an act of retaliation from Russia.
The people of America are undeniably upset by Griner’s situation and the potentially unjust motives behind the Russian court. Public figures such as politician Hillary Clinton have posted on the Twitter hashtag labeled “Free Brittney” to raise awareness for Griner’s biased containment.
The series of reactions to Griner’s detainment from American WNBA supporters and political activists have placed a strain on the United States government to negotiate with Russia’s legal system.
The U.S. Embassy representative in Russia was able to visit Griner in custody after over a month of pleading. CNN’s Ned Price communicated the details of the visit. “Our official found Brittney Griner to be in good condition,” he reported.
However, the complications in Griner’s current legal battle are a violation of legal norms. Griner was refused house arrest and delayed consular access to American representatives, which is a decision uncommonly made by Russian courts in drug offense cases.
Junior Leila Assadi questioned the motives of the Russian court and commented on their ethicality, ¨It’s taking human lives and using them like a playing card, which I think is morally impermissible.¨
The theorized intentions of the Russian court in complicating Griner’s case were to force the United States to end their attacks against Russia, but the U.S. is prepared to combat Russia’s attempts no matter the cost.
Gambong summarized the need for a divide between politics and athletics, “War shouldn’t have a connection with sports because sports are a way to bring everyone together and enjoy a moment,” she said.
For now, Griner will remain in Russia’s custody until mid-May and her supporters will continue to advocate for her legal rights.
