Brittney Griner, the American basketball player detained in Russia, hopes to “come home soon”

His detention continues to cause a stir in the United States.

Imprisoned in Russia since February, American basketball star Brittney Griner hopes to be able to return home soon.

His trial for cannabis trafficking is ongoing, while Moscow and Washington negotiate a prisoner exchange.

“She knows that the end (of the trial) is near.

Of course, she hopes that she will be able to come home at some point and we hope so too, ”said his lawyer Maria Blagovolina.

The trial “is expected to end very soon.

Thursday, there will be the last debates, so the verdict will fall very quickly, ”she added in court in Khimki, near Moscow.

Controlled with cannabis liquid

On February 17, Brittney Griner was checked at a Russian airport for possession of cannabis-based vaping liquid.

The 31-year-old double Olympic champion says she brought this substance inadvertently and denies any drug trafficking.

During the hearing on Tuesday, an expert questioned the methodology of the analyzes carried out on the vaper by the Russian investigators, noting several shortcomings.

The basketball player's trial has also taken on another dimension in recent days, with diplomatic talks.

The @SecBlinken spoke with his Russian counterpart Lavrov to demand the release of the wrongfully detained US citizens: Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.

He also urged Russia to keep its commitments regarding the export of Ukrainian grain.

pic.twitter.com/VCy0QCrnRF

— USA in French (@USAenFrancais) July 30, 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had made a “substantial offer” to Moscow to secure the release of Brittney Griner and another detained American, Paul Whelan.

In Russia, the basketball player faces up to 10 years in prison.