A Russian court denied WNBA star Brittney Griner’s request for a shorter sentence, so unless American politicians negotiate for her release, she will be forced to spend her nine-year term for drug possession and smuggling in a Russian correctional camp.
Griner presented her argument to the three judges who would decide her fate virtually in court. The committee questioned Griner regarding her deeds and the reasons behind them. Griner responded honestly and accurately, giving the judges the details required to make a judgment call regarding her future.
“I received a substantial amount of time for cannabis oil—more than persons who have committed much more serious offenses have received. This wasn’t my intention.”
In the days leading up to Griner’s court appearance, her attorney expressed skepticism about the decision. Griner had a challenging year because her case occurred during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and at a time when relations between the US and Russia were tense.
The star player was detained at an Airport close to Moscow only two weeks prior to the Russian soldiers invading Ukraine in February after authorities discovered less than a gram of cannabis oil in her suitcase. Griner entered a guilty plea to the serious narcotics charges, which could have resulted in a ten-year jail sentence.
She was quickly taken from the area and is currently held in Russian custody.
The star player confessed admission to drug charges that could have resulted in a ten-year sentence, but instead of doing time, she was snatched away and has been in Russian detention ever since.
After several delays, Griner was finally given a nine-year prison term in August. President Joe Biden has urged the United States and Russia to free Griner. Biden said that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in November could only happen if Griner’s release were discussed; the Department of State has stated that Griner is “wrongfully held.”
Griner was given a sentence of 9 years, just less than the maximum of 10 years. According to Griner’s attorneys, the conviction is “completely irrational,” and they intend to appeal. Griner admitted guilt and said she understood all of the accusations made against her and the charges brought against her. Still, she insisted that she never intended to violate Russian law.
The status of the talks between the US and Russia on releasing prisoners remains unknown. To bring Griner and Whelan home, Biden promised that his government would “fight relentlessly and exhaust every possible route.”
But activists have been requesting a prisoner swap for months. This occurs as worries that she is being utilized as a pawn in a political game develop. In light of the Kremlin’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, it should be remembered that relations between Russia and the US have not been the best.
The US has persisted in providing Ukraine with weaponry and millions of dollars in humanitarian help. They also imposed historic sanctions that cut off Moscow’s economy from the rest of the globe.
