Last updated on August 6th, 2022 at 03:10 pm
Basketball star Brittney Griner will serve nine years in prison in Russia. Judge Anna Sotnikova found Griner guilty of smuggling drugs into the country. Also, the judge considered Griner’s admission of guilt, health status, charitable activities, and remorse.
Before the verdict, Griner apologized to the court. According to sportsbook pay per head sources, she asked for leniency from the judge. Additionally, Griner never meant to hurt anyone. Also, she added that she didn’t want to break any Russian laws.
After the sentence, Griner said she loved her family as she was escorted out of the court. The verdict came six months after authorities arrested Griner at the Moscow airport. In addition, prosecutors accused her of trying to smuggle cannabis oil.
Brittney Griner Gets 9 Years in Prison
The American basketball player said she accidentally placed the drugs in her luggage. Griner’s legal team said they would appeal the decision. Also, they criticized the court for ignoring the evidence. According to bookie pay per head reports, Griner has ten days to appeal the decision.
Alexander Boykov, one of Griner’s lawyers, said that the average time for the crime is five years. Also, a third of those convicted receive parole. According to gambling services news reports, Griner is having a hard time in prison. However, her lawyers hope Griner can talk to her family next week.
The sentence occurred when tensions between Russia and the US were high. The US State Department claimed the basketball star was wrongfully detained. Also, US officials offered a prisoner exchange. US President Biden said the sentence was unacceptable.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the legal system of Russia. He said the sentence highlighted the United States’ concerns with the Russian legal system.
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