By: Leo Zou

Photos of Brittney Griner, a W.N.B.A. star, being escorted through a courthouse outside Moscow, Russia were released this week, giving the Western World a rare glimpse of Ms. Griner after four long months in confinement in Russia. Her trial on drug charges is scheduled to take place on Friday,

In a few photos, Ms. Griner appears cuffed and worried, with a gray T-shirt and rounded glasses. Fans depict the photos as “heartbreaking,” according to the New York Times.

Few images of Ms. Griner have been released since February 17, a week before Russia attacked Ukraine, when she was arrested at an airport. Many people have examined these photos for any

After four months of disconnection, Russian officials finally approved a phone call between Griner and her wife on June 18, but the two were unable to communicate because the phone line at the U.S. Embassy in Russia was not staffed.

“She’s telling me she’s okay,” Ms. Griner’s wife said in a radio interview with Rev. Al Sharpton. She said she vowed that she wouldn’t let them break her. However, Brittney is struggling, her wife said.

“She’s a human, she’s there terrified, and she’s there alone.” Cherelle, her wife, said. “It’s inhumane on all types of levels.”

The photo was released on May 13, when an Associated Press photographer took a picture of Ms. Griner leaving a courtroom in Khimki, Russia, according to the New York Times. She wore an orange sweatshirt. The hood was pulled over her head, which was bowed, veiling her face. She was handcuffed and chained to a guard behind her. Two other guards flanked her.

The photo prompted questions in the U.S. about Ms. Griner’s physical and emotional well-being.