Russia, Khimki-WNBA Star Lawyer Brittney Griner At her drug possession trial in Russia on Friday, she gave the court a letter from a US doctor recommending that she use medical cannabis to treat pain.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phoenix MercuryHe was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow in February after a customs officer said he had found an arc canister containing hemp oil in her luggage. If she is convicted of transporting drugs, she will face up to 10 years in prison.
In court last week, Greener pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing a canister, but rushed to pack up when he returned to Russia to play for the UMMC Yekaterinburg basketball team during the WNBA’s off-season. Said that he had no intention of crime and was in his luggage.
In the Russian judicial system, pleading guilty does not automatically end the trial. Since her plea for her, her court sessions have focused on her face-to-face and her written testimony of her superior personality and her athletic performance.
“The doctor has advised Britney on the use of medical cannabis,” said her lawyer, Maria Bragovolina. “The permit was issued on behalf of the Arizona Health Department.”
Friday’s defense also submitted the tests she took as part of an anti-doping check, but no banned substances were detected in her system.
The next hearing in the Greener case was scheduled for July 26.
US Secretary of State Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they were doing everything they could to win her release. Years of conviction of spies.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock sent a letter to Blinken on Friday asking for answers to some questions about Grinner’s situation.
“What options are you considering in the ongoing negotiations?” Warnock asked. “Is it possible to prevent Britney from being detained during the trial? Are there any signs of what the Russian government will accept in return for her release?
“Although we are aware of the complexity of the current situation, Brittney Griner cannot be the victim of geopolitical events or dictatorial wars. Pursuing swift negotiations to ensure her immediate release. I highly recommend doing it. “
However, due to its strong hostility to military operations in Ukraine, Washington may have little influence over Moscow.
“What was very clear in yesterday’s and today’s hearings was Miss Greener’s professional achievement, as well as her personality and honesty, both in the United States and here in Russia.” .. Elizabeth Ludo, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, said outside a courtroom in Kimki, a suburb of Moscow, where the airport is located.
UMMC Yekaterinburg Director and Team Captain testified on behalf of her on Thursday.
Russian media speculates that Grinner could be exchanged for Russian weapons merchant Viktor Bout, known as the “merchant of death.” Organization.
Russia has instigated the release of Bout for many years. However, a major discrepancy in the seriousness of their case could make such trade unpalatable to Washington. Others suggest that Greener could be traded with Welan, who has been serving in Russia for 16 years, based on the espionage belief that the United States described as a setup.
Her case was placed under the supervision of a special presidential envoy on hostage issues, effectively the government’s head of hostage negotiations, after the State Department designated Greener as illegally detained. Classification has frustrated Russia.
Asked about the possibility that Grinner could be exchanged for a Russian imprisoned in the United States, Russia’s senior diplomat Sergei Ryabkov said until the end of her trial, “formal or procedure to talk about further steps. There is no reason for the above. ” “”
Ryabkov’s criticisms of the United States, including explaining that Grinner was unfairly detained and negatively commented on Russia’s judicial system, “makes it difficult to engage in a detailed discussion of possible exchanges.” Warned.
Grinner’s detention was approved until 20 December, suggesting that the trial could last for several months. However, Greener’s lawyer said he expects to reach a conclusion in early August.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
