Brittney Griner Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison
Brittney Griner has been sentenced by a Russian court to 9 and a half years in prison on drug possession charges. Griner, in what she called an “honest mistake,” brought cannabis oil (stored in a vape pen) into the country in February 2022. Her defense team stated that she uses the oil for pain and that it is prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately, the Russian court did not believe her claim, deciding to move forward with her sentencing. In addition to the 9 years in prison, Griner was also fined 1million rubles, or about $16,300 U.S. dollars. The Biden administration announced over a week ago a possible prisoner trade for Griner, as well as for an American corporate security director, Paul Whelan, accused of spying. In exchange for the two, the U.S would release Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, sentenced to 25 years. While there has been discussion of trade, no official arrangement has been made between the two countries. Statements have been released by President Biden, the WNBA and the NBA on the sentencing.
President Biden’s Statement
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
WNBA & NBA Statement
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Brittney Griner in Court
In court Griner made her own statement before the ruling, but her words to the court were nothing but empty thoughts.
“I know that everybody keeps talking about political pawns and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom. I want to say again that I had no intent of breaking Russian laws. I had no intent. I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime.”
Griner’s defense team stated this case is very politicized because of Americas involvement, so this sentencing does not come as a surprise.
https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-found-guilty-in-russian-court-sentenced-to-nine-years-in-prison-152534083.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/04/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-sentencing-of-wrongfully-detained-american-brittney-griner/
https://www.nba.com/news/wnba-and-nba-statement-regarding-brittney-griner
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/27/politics/griner-whelan-biden-offer-viktor-bout-exchange-russia-arms-dealer