Brittney Griner’s case had been pending for months in a Russian court of law. The case has now been determined by the court, and her penalty is harsh. Brittney Griner received a nine-year prison sentence in Russia for smuggling and possession of a THC cart.
Brittney Griner was visibly moved in a Russian court on Thursday, confessing for “my mistake that I made” and asking the judge for leniency. Griner apologized again in her drug case, telling the Moscow jury that she was extremely sorry for mistakenly bringing hashish oil in her suitcase in mid-February.
“I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of [Yekaterinburg] for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.”
“I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”
According to Associated Press reporters on the scene, Griner, who was dressed in a grey T-shirt and dark jeans, appeared to be quite distraught when apologizing. Griner later implored the judge to be gentle with her when her sentence is handed down, adding she hopes the decision “does not terminate my life.”
Prosecutors, on the other hand, reportedly contended in court on Thursday that Griner did bring the cannabis oil on purpose and requested the judge to sentence the 31-year-old to 9.5 years in prison. They also allegedly advocated that Griner should be fined heavily.
Griner, as previously reported, pleaded guilty to narcotics charges last month. She faced a prison sentence of up to ten years. Meanwhile, US officials have classed her as wrongfully detained and have revealed that they have made Russia a considerable trade offer to eventually bring her home.
Griner was found guilty of the charges against her by a Russian judge. Griner was not just sentenced to nine years in prison, but she was also fined 1 million rubles, about $16,300. She will be able to file an appeal.
Griner will almost certainly not serve the entire term. US and Russian officials are apparently contemplating a prisoner swap that would include a Russian arms trader known as “The Merchant of Death.” Donald Trump has trashed this decision.
President Joe Biden has just condemned the decision, calling the sentence “unacceptable” and promising to do everything in his power to bring Griner home as quickly as possible. In a statement distributed by the White House on Thursday, Biden stated.
“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.”
The President has promised to bring Griner home as quickly as possible. Hopefully this will undoubtedly be enforced. Let us see when the court’s ruling will be reviewed again. What are your thoughts on this matter? Stay tuned to Thirsty for more information.
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