The case of American basketball star Brittney Griner continues to unfold before the Khimki Court in the Moscow region. Griner was detained on March 5 while passing through customs at Sheremetyevo Airport after authorities found marijuana in her possession. The proceedings focus on charges linked to drug smuggling and illicit possession under Russian law.
Defense witnesses take the stand
The defendant faces charges under paragraph c of Part 2 of Article 229.1 and Part 1 of Article 228 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, covering smuggling and possession of drugs. The latest hearing, held on July 26, opened with questioning of defense witnesses. Maria Blagovolina, a partner at the law firm Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners, represents Griner. She stated that a narcologist testified about the medical use of cannabis in certain contexts, noting that doctors may prescribe cannabis for legitimate medical reasons. Blagovolina added that such medical practice is common in some countries, including the United States, and that the substance found in Griner could be used under medical supervision.
Earlier sessions saw the defense proposing the admissibility of medical marijuana. Documents from the Arizona Department of Health were cited to support this point. At the same time, authorities reported that no banned substance remained in Griner’s system. During one session, an incident occurred when a representative from the United States Embassy fainted. Telegram updates cited heat as a possible cause, with court staff providing first aid and arranging medical attention. The session was adjourned as the safety of the diplomat was addressed.
Griner herself is slated for further questioning on July 27. Before that, the court will review whether the athlete has any complaints about detention conditions in Russia. In remarks captured during the proceedings, Griner stated that there were no complaints and that she was simply awaiting the next steps in the process. She also spoke to her wife, Charelle, offering encouragement for her upcoming Bar exam, as noted in a report by Yahoo Sports.
Support grows from the United States
The U.S. sports community has mobilized to press for Griner’s release, with prominent figures voicing support. Megan Rapinoe, a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist from the United Kingdom, has been a vocal advocate for Griner. In a recent interview, Rapinoe conveyed disappointment that more progress had not been made in securing freedom for the basketball player. She emphasized the personal impact of Griner’s absence and the ongoing pressure her case places on officials and authorities in Russia. Rapinoe also spoke of the public display of support as a signal that Griner is missed and valued.
Rapinoe’s comments drew a mixed response. Some, including former American baseball player Kurt Schilling, argued for accountability under local law and suggested Griner should face consequences under Russia’s legal framework. Statements from Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stressed that legal processes must align with local laws rather than interpretations from other countries. The exchange highlighted the broader debate over international responses to the case and the appropriate legal standards involved.
As the trial progresses, the final decision awaits the presentation of defense evidence, the arguments from both sides, and Griner’s own concluding remarks. If prosecutors prevail, the penalty could include a custodial sentence under the cited articles, potentially extending for several years according to the Russian Criminal Code. The course of the case will continue to unfold as legal representatives present their arguments and the court weighs the evidence.
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