KHIMKI, Russia — U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to 9 years behind bars in a politically charged case that would result in a high-stakes prisoner trade between Washington and Moscow.
The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, listened with a clean expression as an interpreter translated the decision by Judge Anna Sotnikova, however her legal professionals stated later she was “very upset.” Griner additionally was fined 1 million rubles, about $16,700.
U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the sentence as “unacceptable.” Griner’s conviction come amid hovering tensions between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine.
“I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” Biden stated, including that he would proceed to work to deliver dwelling Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction.
Outside courtroom, the U.S. Embassy’s cost d’affaires Elizabeth Rood known as the result “a miscarriage of justice.”
Griner, acknowledged as one of many biggest gamers in WNBA historical past, has been detained since Feb. 17 after police stated they discovered vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her baggage upon touchdown at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. She was returning to Russia, the place she has competed since 2014.
As she was led out of courtroom, Griner stated: “I love my family.”
The nine-year sentence was near the utmost of 10 years that Griner had confronted beneath the fees. Most Russians possessing small portions of medicine get at most 5 years in jail, legal professionals stated.
Defense lawyer Maria Blagovolina instructed reporters later that Griner was “very upset, very stressed. She can hardly talk. It’s a difficult time for her.”
Before the unusually swift verdict was reached, an emotional Griner apologized to her household, teammates and the Russian metropolis of Yekaterinburg, the place she performs within the WNBA offseason, “for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.”
With her voice cracking, she added: “I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”
Griner has 10 days to attraction, and her legal professionals say they count on a listening to in Moscow regional courtroom subsequent week. Asked if Griner may ask for pardon from President Vladimir Putin, Blagovolina stated they might take into account each risk, however the legal professionals stated they weren’t a part of any discussions a few prisoner swap.
Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas stated the sentence “was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn.” She added that she supported Biden’s efforts “to get a deal done.”
A conviction is often wanted earlier than arranging a prisoner trade and likewise permits Griner to use for a pardon. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated final month the “necessary judicial procedures” have to be accomplished earlier than different steps will be taken.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”