TASS, the Russian state-owned News Agency reported that the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region has extended the detention of Britney Griner. The suspicious timing and circumstances of her arrest are raising international concern. And many are claiming the basketball superstar is a political hostage of the Kremlin. 

The U.S. The Women's Basketball Association (WNBA) seven-time-all-star was quietly arrested at the Moscow airport last month. And her arrest came shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court statement said, according to TASS.

This is the first known appearance in court for Griner, 31. She is pleading “not guilty” to the charge of possession of vape cartridges that allegedly had the presence of “hashish/cannabis oil.”   She will remain in jail for two more months, in pre-trial detention.

The league took a two-week break in early February for World Cup qualifying tournaments. And it is believed that Griner’s arrest came as she was trying to return from the break.  

It is believed Britney Griner was arrested after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York in late February.

US State Department speaks out

The US State Department says it is closely following the case. Britney Griner’s legal team is updating the department. But Moscow is not allowing her consular access.  

In the past, consular access was provided for all Americans in detention in Russia. And since the Russian invasion of Ukraine arrested Americans are no longer allowed what is considered due process under international law.  

“We have repeatedly asked for consular access to these detainees and have consistently been denied access. Russia must abide by its legal obligations and allow us to provide consular services for U.S. citizens detained in Russia," the State Department spokesperson said. 

"We take our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens seriously, and we will continue to press for fair and transparent treatment for all U.S. citizens when they are subject to legal processes overseas." 

Britney Griner hostage in Russia

For seven years during the WNBA offseason, the 6' 9" Griner has been playing in Russia.  She is a star player for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg. And last played for them on January 29th.

Britney Griner is a top player in women’s professional basketball. Besides being a seven-time all-star in the WNBA, she won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. team. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. And she currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury which holds the 2021 WNBA championship.

News of her arrest did not go public until after the invasion of Ukraine. Without identifying her, the Russian Customs Service announced a player was detained in February. 

A criminal case has been opened against Griner, who faces a possible sentence of five to 10 years in prison if found guilty, the customs service said.