U.S. officials express concern for WNBA star Brittney Griner as Russia extends her detention

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(WASHINGTON) — Concerns in the U.S. over the wellbeing of Brittney Griner are growing as Russia extends the pre-trial detention of the WNBA star. The extension comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia media reported on Thursday that Griner’s pre-trial detention was extended until May 19 by the Khimki court of the Moscow region. The two-time Olympic gold medalist faces drug charges for allegedly smuggling hashish oil last month into Russia.

Griner, a Houston native, faces up to ten years in prison, according to Russian media reports.

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Tex., whose district