Lawyers representing U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner in her Moscow-area trial for illegal drug possession told the court on July 15 that she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States two years ago for a chronic injury.
The 31-year-old Griner has been detained in Russia since authorities said they found cannabis oil in vape cartridges in her luggage when she passed through Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February.
U.S. officials say she was "wrongfully detained" and have assigned a special official for "hostage" situations to her case.
Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the drugs possession charges in a case that critics fear is an attempt by Moscow to extract concessions from Washington amid Russia's war on Ukraine and with relations at a low point.
She has already acknowledged possessing the vape cartridges.
The court in Khimki, outside the Russian capital, heard supportive testimony on July 14 from the head of the Russian club Griner plays for and a teammate.
Griner did not testify during the hearing, but the others who did backed her as character witnesses and told the court what she has meant for women's basketball in Russia.
Also in court were Elizabeth Rood, charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and other consular officials, and they were able to speak to Griner, who told them she appreciated their presence, the U.S. State Department said.
The U.S. government is under pressure at home to do more to secure her freedom.
U.S. and Russian media reported earlier this week that veteran U.S. hostage negotiator Bill Richardson could travel to Russia to seek the release of Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.
When she was detained, Griner was returning to play for the Yekaterinburg team in the off-season of the U.S. Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
