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Britney GrinerAmerican basketball superstar and Olympic gold medalist.
a Russian judge convicted Greiner He sentenced her to nine years in prison for drug possession and drug smuggling. She was also fined her 1 million rubles worth about $16,200.
Griner, 31, appeared before a court in Khimki, a suburb of Moscow. She issued her apology prior to her sentence and sentencing because her prosecutors demanded her 9.5 years in prison.
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“I would like to apologize to my teammates, the club, the fans and the (Ekaterinburg) city for my mistakes and the shame I have caused,” he said. “I also want to apologize to my parents, my brother, the Phoenix Mercury Organization in my hometown, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back home.”
Griner claimed it was an “honest mistake” to bring e-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis-derived oil into a Moscow airport in February, adding: “I hope your ruling doesn’t end my life.” I have,” he added.
Griner was returning to her Russian basketball team, UMMC Yekaterinburg, after the season was suspended for international play. She called Yekaterinburg her “second home”.
“In the six and a half years I’ve been here, I never thought that the team, the city, the fans and my teammates would make such an amazing impression on me. Coming out of the gym and being with little girls. I remember it vividly, waiting for me in the stands and that’s what kept me coming back here,” she said.
Former US Marine Describes ‘Terrible’ Time in Russian Prisons
Russian prosecutors have alleged that Griner knowingly stuffed his body with cannabis oil. Griner’s lawyers alleged that Griner was using marijuana to treat pain, but Russian officials said U.S. law on drug legality had nothing to do with the Russian judicial system. Stated.
The US State Department classified Griner as “wrongfully detained.” Secretary of State Anthony Brinken said last week: Biden administration presents ‘substantial proposal’ for the return of basketball player and fellow American Paul Whelan.
Blinken said at a press conference that the Biden administration made the proposal a few weeks ago and wants to talk. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov First time since February 15th.
Russian media have speculated that the deal may have been with Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as “The Merchant of Death”. terrorist organization.
White House spokeswoman Carine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that Russia had responded “viciously” to Washington’s offer. She didn’t elaborate.
Russian authorities have clarified that prisoner exchanges will not take place until convictions and sentences have been handed down.
President Biden reacted to Russia’s ruling.
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“Today, American citizen Britney Griner was sentenced to prison. This is another reminder of what the world already knew: Russia was unlawfully detaining Britney. This is unacceptable.I urge Russia to release her immediately so she can be with the wife she loves.My Administration will continue to work tirelessly to keep Britney and Paul Whelan safe as soon as possible. We will pursue all means to bring them home,” he said.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
