Brittney Griner Sentenced to 9 Years In Russian Jail For Marijuana Possession

Surprising information out of Russia at present, as WNBA star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to 9 years in jail on drug possession and smuggling expenses.

The 31-year-old has been locked up since February, when she was detained at Sheremetyevo Worldwide Airport close to Moscow.

She entered the nation to play in a Russian basketball league throughout the WNBA’s offseason, and was detained when safety discovered a small quantity of hash oil in her baggage.

That was the second when Griner’s life modified ceaselessly, and now, her solely hope for freedom is a prisoner alternate between the US and Russian governments.

Griner sat in a cell as her sentence was learn, as is customary in Russian courtrooms.

Witnesses say Griner remained stoic and declined to talk after the choose’s resolution was revealed.

Along with spending the subsequent decade behind bars, Griner has been fined 1 million rubles, which is the equal of about $16,000.

In July, Griner pled guilty to the costs in opposition to her, explaining that she packed in a rush and was not conscious that the hash oil cartridges have been in her baggage.

Griner’s legal professionals additionally famous that she has a prescription for medicinal hashish use.

The responsible plea was seemingly entered with the hope that it could imply a lighter sentence for Griner, however clearly, that didn’t grow to be the case.

“I by no means meant to harm anyone, I by no means meant to place in jeopardy the Russian inhabitants, I by no means meant to interrupt any legal guidelines right here,” Griner mentioned in court docket at present forward of her sentencing.

“I made an sincere mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t finish my life right here. I do know all people retains speaking about political pawn and politics, however I hope that that’s removed from this courtroom.”

A number of politicians and public figures have spoken out in assist of Griner, together with President Joe Biden, who tweeted concerning the state of affairs shortly after the sentence was introduced:

“It’s unacceptable, and I name on Russia to launch her instantly so she may be along with her spouse, family members, mates, and teammates,” Biden mentioned.

“My administration will proceed to work tirelessly and pursue each potential avenue to carry Brittney and Paul Whelan residence safely as quickly as potential.”

CNN and different shops have reported that the White Home has entered talks to safe the liberty of Griner and ex-Marine Whelan in alternate for Russian arms vendor Viktor Bout.

Bout is at the moment serving a 25-year sentence for conspiring to promote weapons that will be used to kill People.

Bout’s life impressed the Nicolas Cage movie Lord Of Battle, about an arms vendor who wreaks havoc all through the world.

CNN is reporting that Russia has additionally requested that the US assist safe the liberty of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian colonel sentenced to life in jail in Germany for murdering a Chechen fighter there in 2019.

Clearly, Bout and Krasikov’s crimes are way more critical than something that Griner has been accused of, however the vital factor now could be bringing Brittney residence and ending this lengthy nightmare.

We’ll have additional updates on this growing story as extra info turns into accessible.

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