True Left

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) spoke out about the relative lack of news coverage devoted to WNBA star Brittney Griner’s ongoing detention in Russia. Griner has been held in Russia for at least three weeks on drug charges. She was reportedly arrested at a Russian airport in mid-February after cannabis oil products were detected in her luggage.

According to the NY Times, Russian authorities are exploring criminal charges against Griner that, if convicted, could carry a 10-year prison sentence. Griner’s arrest coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ensuing U.S. decision to lobby harsh diplomatic & economic sanctions against Russia, further complicating efforts to bring her home safely and promptly. On March 17, Griner's 'period of detention' was extended until May 19 by a Moscow court