Russia extends Brittney Griner's detention once again


Four months after she was first taken into custody, WNBA star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia has been extended yet again.
A Russian court on Tuesday extended Griner's detention until July 2, state media is reporting, according to The Associated Press. This was the third time Griner's detention has been extended. In March, it was extended until May, and it was later extended an additional month.
The news comes amid growing calls to get Griner home from Russia. She was detained at the airport in February after officials said she had cannabis vape cartridges in her suitcase. LeBron James recently joined those supporting Griner. "It is imperative that the U.S. government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home," James said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, has also called for President Biden to take action, telling ESPN, "There is one person that can go get her, and that's our president. He has that power. You know, I'm just like, 'Why are we not using it? Like, urgently, use it.'" In May, the State Department officially classified Griner as being "wrongfully detained" as a presidential envoy for hostage affairs got involved.
According to ESPN, officials from the State Department met with Griner's Phoenix Mercury teammates on Monday. "There is a lot involved in getting her back home and safe," Mercury star Diana Taurasi said. "They're working relentlessly."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
5 triple threat cartoons about Trump's third term
Cartoons Artists take on the 22nd Amendment, Barack Obama, and more
By The Week US Published
-
School disputes: a police matter?
Talking Point Cowley Hill lodged a police complaint against parents who criticised its recruiting process for a new head
By The Week UK Published
-
The Subantarctic: wild islands far south of New Zealand
The Week Recommends Far from the usual tourist crowd, these remote islands showcase stunning wilderness and amazing animals
By The Week UK Published
-
Trump axes NSA head, NSC staff after Loomer advice
Speed Read On the recommendation of Laura Loomer, Trump fired the head of the National Security Agency and several National Security Council officials
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump says tariffs 'going very well' as markets fall
speed read US financial markets had their biggest one-day drop since the advent of Covid-19
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump rolls out tariffs on virtually all imports
Speed Read On "Liberation Day," Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to America and higher reciprocal tariffs for some 60 other countries
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sen. Booker's 25-hour speech beats Thurmond
Speed Read He spoke for the longest time in recorded Senate history, protesting the Trump administration's policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bondi seeks death penalty for Luigi Mangione
Speed Read Mangione was charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats win costly Wisconsin court seat
Speed Read Democrats prevailed in an election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court despite Elon Musk's robust financial support of the Republican candidate
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
WHCA rejects White House press seating grab
Speed Read The White House Correspondents' Association objected to the Trump administration's bid to control where journalists sit during press briefings
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador jail
Speed Read Another 17 Venezuelan alleged gang members have been deported to a notorious prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published