Women’s basketball star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years behind bars
Brittney Griner has been convicted of deliberately smuggling drugs into Russia.
The 31-year-old American will be imprisoned for nine years and pay 1 million rubles after she was found guilty of bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia.
Judge Anna Sotnikova said she considered Griner’s admission of guilt and remorse, following an apology from the basketball star.
Sotnikova also said Griner’s time in custody will count towards the sentence.
“I want the court to understand that this was an honest mistake that I made while rushing, under stress, trying to recover from COVID and just trying to get back to my team.”
BRITTNEY GRINER
Griner told the court she had no intention of breaking any laws.
She was arrested at a Russian airport in February as the war in Ukraine began. “I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom,” she said.-
The White House said authorities are working to free all Americans who have been detained abroad.
“Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. She never should have had to endure a trial in the first place,” said White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.
It’s understood the Biden Administration offered to swap Griner and the former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan for a Russian arms dealer.
“As you all know, we have made a substantial offer to bring her and Paul Whelan home. We urge Russia to accept that proposal.”
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE, White House Press Secretary
President Biden has described the situation as “unacceptable”, and urged Russia to free Griner so “she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates”.
Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden Administration has offered a deal to Russian authorities.
“It’s a serious proposal. We urge them to accept it. They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it.”
JOHN KIRBY, PENTAGON SPOKESPERSON
The details of the proposal have not been made public. Russian officials are yet to comment on the matters.
Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and an NBA champion.
She was detained as she arrived in Russia to play with UMMC Ekaterinburg during the U.S. league’s off-season.
