Brittney Griner's trial in Russia begins July 1 0:51
(CNN)
Two-time U.S. Olympic basketball gold medalist Brittney Griner arrived at a courthouse near Moscow for the start of her trial on Friday, after authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage at the airport. February, a week before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Brittney Griner, 31, of the Phoenix Mercury team, who also plays in Russia between the end of the WNBA season and the beginning of the next, was arrested on February 17 at a Moscow airport.
LeBron James, NBA star, on the arrest of Brittney Griner: "Our voice as athletes is stronger if we are together"
Russian authorities charged her with smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Brittney Griner is currently being held in a pre-trial detention center north of Moscow.
Her detention was extended for six months pending the outcome of the trial, according to her lawyer.
Earlier this week, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that Brittney Griner is "improperly, unfairly detained and we have made that clear as an official determination of the US government."
No verdict is expected on the first day of his trial, which is taking place at the court in the city of Khimki, on the outskirts of the Russian capital.
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