Experts Say Griner Trial Will Be A Show

United States center Brittney Griner high fives teammates after a play during the second half of a women’s basketball game against Senegal at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. The United States defeated Senegal 121-56. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Experts Say Griner Trial Will Be A Show Experts are weighing in on WNBA superstar Brittney Griner’s legal battle in Russia. Griner has been in custody for more than four months for alleged possession of vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Griner’s lawyers will present her case in a court staring July 1st, but legal analysts say the two-time Olympic gold medalist may not receive a fair trial or even have a chance at securing her freedom. Jonathan Franks, an expert who has navigated several hostage situations, explained, “Court here should always be in quotes, and so should trial. Because this is not a court and it’s not going to conduct a trial. It’s going to conduct a PR and propaganda exercise for the [Russian] regime.” He says Russia does not have rule of law and thus will almost certainly conduct a “show trial” for Griner’s case. Franks also says he is confident that “the outcome is predetermined” for Griner, regardless of what her lawyers present in court. Russian courts have a 99% conviction rate and offer little chance for an appeal. Do you think the US can get Griner out?