On Friday, Brittney Griner began her trial in a courthouse close to Moscow on allegations of smuggling drugs, which carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
Back in February, Griner, 31, was arrested at Moscow Airport.
In light of growing concerns that Griner is being exploited as a political pawn amid escalating tensions between the US and Russia, Griner’s supporters and US officials claim that she is being unlawfully held and have urged for her release.
During the trial, the prosecution accused Griner of having less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage.
On Friday, Griner’s attorneys, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, stated they were unaware of any preparations to swap Griner for a Russian prisoner in the US.
One of the two witnesses during the hearing was a Sheremetyevo airport customs service employee. The lawyers said that he was questioned on Griner’s detention and personal search details and stated they could not share any of the information he divulged.
“She has the right to do so later,” The attorneys responded when asked why Griner declined to address the allegations in court.
US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Elizabeth Rood reiterated that Griner had been “wrongfully detained,” adding that “the practice of wrongful detention is unacceptable wherever it occurs and is a threat to the safety of everyone traveling, working, and living abroad.”
