Russian prosecutors asked a court to give Brittney Griner, the US basketball star a 9.5-year-long prison sentence. The Olympic gold medalist was detained earlier this year on drug charges.
Brittney Griner, to face an almost 10-year long sentence?
Brittney Griner was detained at a Russian airport on drug charges in February when the authorities found cannabis oil vape cartridges in her luggage. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both recreational and medicinal use. The 31-year-old basketball star pleaded guilty to the drug charges. However, she also denied intentionally breaking the law. “I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life,” she told the court after both sides shared the closing arguments. A final verdict is expected on Thursday.
“I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime,” added Griner. The trial has now reached high levels of US-Russia diplomacy. Several reports are suggesting a conviction can pave the way for a prisoner swap between the nations involving Viktor Bout. Bout is a Russian arms trafficker serving a long sentence in the US. “I ask the court to find Griner guilty and sentence her to nine years and six months in prison,” stated Nikolay Vlasenko, the prosecutor. He also requested that the star be fined one million roubles, equalling $16,500. The basketball star has previously played in Russia.
More on the possibility of conviction:
While Russian courts rarely acquit defendants, analysts believe conviction is very unlikely. During the closing arguments, the star’s lawyers requested a lenient punishment, referencing her place in the world of sports. “In sprinting there is Usain Bolt, in Formula 1 – Michael Schumacher, and in women’s basketball there is Brittney Griner,” stated Maria Blagovolina. Blagovolina is Ms. Griner’s lawyer. Additionally, she argued that she packed the cannabis cartridges by mistake. Adding, that she only used it for medical purposes in Arizona.
At a prior hearing, the star stated that officials made her sign some documents. However, no one explained it to her. She added that she did not receive an explanation of her rights or access to a lawyer during the initial hours of detention. Hence, she resorted to using a translation app on her phone. “I still don’t understand to this day how [the vape cartridges] ended up in my bags. With them being accidentally in my bags, I take responsibility, but I did not intend to smuggle or plan to smuggle anything into Russia,” stated Brittney Griner.