Brittney Griner remains incarcerated in Russia and it’s unclear how an unexpected prisoner exchange between the US and Russia, which freed Navy veteran Trevor Reed on Wednesday, will affect the WNBA star’s status.
Griner has been imprisoned in Russia since mid-February.
The deal announced by the US and Russia with Reed, an American imprisoned for almost three years, would have been a remarkable diplomatic maneuver even in peacetime. It was all the more surprising given that Russia’s war with Ukraine has pushed relations with the US to their lowest levels in decades.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, has been arrested in Russia for alleged possession of a cannabis derivative legal in much of the world. The offense can mean up to 10 years in prison. Experts have predicted the two-time Olympic champion could get much less if convicted.
Like many top WNBA players, Griner plays overseas to supplement her income. She returned to the country after the Russian League, in which she also plays, went on hiatus for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.
WHAT IS THE PRISONER EXCHANGE?
It’s unclear if Reed’s release will have any bearing on Griner’s case. It seems in part unlikely to have an immediate impact, as the government downplayed the idea of a broader rapprochement with Moscow at a time when Russia is at war with Ukraine.
Griner’s wife Cherelle posted on Instagram on Wednesday: “My heart overflows with joy for the Reed family. I don’t know them personally, but I know the pain when your loved one is being held in a foreign country. This level of pain is constant and can only be resolved by returning home safely. For the Reed family, that day is today. Welcome home Trevor and sending love to you and your family on this special day.”
IS GRINER’S CASE SIMILAR?
Griner’s case has a very different profile from that of Reed, who was found guilty by a Russian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. In contrast, Griner’s case has yet to wind its way through the Russian court system, with the evidence and facts still unclear.
The US had unfairly detained Reed and another US Michigan security official, Paul Whelan, by Russia, and officials had pressed Moscow for their release. American officials have yet to make a similar decision about Griner, meaning her role is generally limited — at least openly — to ensuring she has access to consular services while she’s behind bars.
WHERE IS GRINER NOW?
The 6-foot-9 griner is being held at a detention facility near Moscow. She has met regularly with her lawyers and had a visit with a US embassy official last month to check on her condition.
State Department spokesman Ned Price said last month that Griner appeared to be “in good shape.” Price did not identify the officer who was granted consular access to Griner.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Griner’s detention was extended to May 19. Then more information about her case could become known. But notwithstanding the factual allegations against them in court, it is impossible to separate the legal case from the broader political implications.
In some cases, US officials speak up when they believe an American has been wrongly arrested. But Griner’s case is barely two months old and officials are yet to make that decision. An office of the State Department that advocates for the release of American hostages and wrongful detainees is not known to be involved.
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Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this story.