Brittney Griner, a gold medalist in US basketball, appeared in court near Moscow on Friday on charges of drug smuggling and was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Grinner, 31, a Phoenix Mercury player playing in Russia during the WNBA's off-season, was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, a week before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Greener supporters and U.S. officials say she was mistakenly imprisoned, and as tensions between Russia and the U.S. grow and fears of her  being used as a political pawn grow. I asked for release.
 During the trial, prosecutors accused Grinner of smuggling less than a gram of hemp oil into her baggage.
 "We are fully aware that the transport of narcotics is not permitted. By February 17, 2022, the prosecution will personally purchase two cartridges containing 0.252 grams and 0.45 grams of hash oil from an unidentified person [Griner] in an unspecified location under unspecified circumstances. I did. " TASS reporter in the hall of Kimki City Court. According to TASS, prosecutors allege that Greener intended to import  drugs into Russian territory and pack banned substances into backpacks and suitcases. Hemp oil is controlled in Russia and is classified as a  drug.  The second hearing of the trial will take place on July 7.
 Greener will be escorted by security guards at a court hearing on July 1. Greener will be accompanied by a security guard to a court hearing on July 1.  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declined to comment on the issue over the weekend, although some say Greener could be released in prisoner exchange. Grinner's lawyers Alexander Boykov and Maria Bragovorina said  Friday they were unaware of  plans to exchange Grinner for  Russian prisoners detained in the United States. "Unfortunately, we don't have any information about this," the lawyer said at an instant press conference. According to the lawyer, at the hearing, a Sheremetyevo International Airport Customs official was one of the two witnesses. The lawyer was asked about the circumstances of Grinner's detention and personal search,  adding that he was unable to disclose  the information  he revealed during his testimony.  When asked why Griner refused to comment on the allegations in court, the lawyer said, "She has the right to do so later. After WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia. After 130 days, her trial is imminent.
 It's been 130 days since WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia, and her trial is about to begin. Your wife wants U.S. authorities to do more to get her home
 Elizabeth Ludo, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, ??reiterated that Grinner was "illegal detained" at the hearing on Friday. It threatens the safety of people. I work and live abroad. "
 Repeatedly extended detention of Grinner caused a wave of support from dozens of organizations across the United States that  joined Grinner`s wife, Sherel, and released Grinner by signing an exchange agreement with Russian authorities with President Joe Biden.  Brittney Griner's Wife: Efforts to Free Her Inconsistent with Rhetoric 01:32  Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters on Friday that the case was not a political motivation.  The Kremlin could not comment on the process of the trial, but Peskoff emphasized that Greener was arrested after transporting "illegal drugs, including drugs," a criminal offense under Russian law.  "Based on what I said, her arrest is not a political motivation," Peskoff added.


.

Meet the Author

View Profile

---

Gideon Effah

Content writer

follow me