- This content has occurred in Russia, where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine
KHIMKI, RUSSIA, July 7 (Reuters) – American basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drug charge in a Russian court on Thursday, but denied that she had intentionally broken the law.
Griner was speaking at the second hearing of his trial on the narcotics charge that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, days after he urged US President Joe Biden to secure his release. Read more
“I would like to plead guilty, ma’am. But there was no intention. I did not want to break the law,” Griner said, speaking softly in English which was then translated into Russian for court.
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“I would like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare,” he added.
The next court hearing was scheduled for July 14.
Griner’s lawyers told reporters they were waiting for the most lenient sentence possible.
“We, as a defense, explained the possible consequences to him. Brittney stressed that she committed the crime through negligence, preparing to board a plane to Russia in a hurry, with no intention of breaking Russian law,” he said. Maria Blagovolina, one of Griner’s lawyers.
“We hope that this circumstance, in combination with the evidence of the defense, will be taken into account when issuing the sentence, and be mild.”
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport with spray cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia, and has since been arrested.
The WNBA Players Association issued a statement reiterating its support for the eight-time All-Star.
“What we do know is that the U.S. State Department determined that Brittney Griner was unjustly detained for a reason and will continue to negotiate for her release,” the WNBPA said.
In a handwritten note, Griner called on Biden directly earlier this week to intensify U.S. efforts to bring her home.
U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested in March at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, is being escorted to a court hearing in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow. , Russia, July 7, 2022. REUTERS / Evgenia Novozhenina
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“I realize you’re dealing with a lot of things, but please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees …,” Griner wrote. “Please do your best to take us home.”
Biden spoke with Griner’s wife Wednesday and told her he was working to get her released “as soon as possible,” the White House said. Read more
Officials at the U.S. embassy in Moscow attended Griner’s trial and handed him a letter from Biden, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“We will not give in until Brittney, Paul Whelan and all the other unjustly detained Americans reunite with their loved ones,” he tweeted in reference to former US Marine Whelan who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018. for espionage charges.
“BUSINESS CHIP”
U.S. officials and many athletes have called for the release of Griner, or “BG,” as basketball fans know her, who say she has been unfairly detained.
His case has also raised concerns that Moscow may use it as leverage to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian citizen in US custody.
Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center in the National Women’s Basketball Association, had played for UMCC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League to increase her income during the low season of the WNBA, like several other North American players. -American.
Russian authorities say there is no basis for considering Griner’s detention illegal and that the case against her is not political despite Moscow’s strained relations with the United States over Russian military intervention in Ukraine.
Moscow Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday it was difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested Washington stop talking about Griner’s fate. Read more
Asked about Ryabkov’s statements, the State Department said it would not comment on speculation.
“Using the practice of illegal detention as a bargaining chip poses a threat to the safety of everyone who travels, works and lives abroad. The United States opposes this practice everywhere,” he said. say a State Department spokesman.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has said Griner could appeal his conviction or seek clemency once a verdict has been handed down.
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Reuters report Additional report by Humeyra Pamuk and Amy Tennery Edited by Guy Faulconbridge, Mark Trevelyan, Angus MacSwan, Jonathan Oatis and Frances Kerry
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