WNBA top-draw player Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years by a Russian court, months after she was caught with cannabis vape at an airport in Moscow.
Brittney Griner sentence: Joe Biden sends warning to Russia
As reported by BBC News, the double Olympic winner was found guilty and convicted to nine in prison for smuggling and possession of narcotics on Thursday.
Griner, who plays centre for the Phoenix Mercury, admitted to the crime but insisted it was an honest mistake. Her pleas, however, fell on deaf ears as Russia’s public prosecutors were awarded the sentence they’d recommended to the judge.
“I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life. I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime,” Griner told the court after closing arguments.
In a statement released following the sentencing, US President Joe Biden described Griner’s fate as “one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.”
“It’s unacceptable, and 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,” Biden noted.
Griner’s attorneys have indicated their intention to appeal the sentence.
Is Griner a pawn to Russia-US tensions?
Griner’s detention happened only days before Russia invaded Ukraine, and immediately thereafter, the US, a key playmaker in the Eastern European war, fell into the grasp of Vladimir Putin.
While the US continues to fund Ukraine’s defence against Russia, the Biden administration is embroiled in negotiations with Putin for the transfer of Griner. According to White House national security spokesman John Kirby, a proposal for a prisoner exchange was made to Russia two weeks ago.
The US want Griner and Phil Whelan, a retired American spy detained in Russia, in exchange for notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout, renowned as the Merchant of Death.
Kirby confirmed that talks are ongoing between the two countries. However, Russia, as things stand, have been stalling.
“It’s a serious proposal. We urge them to accept it. They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it,” Kirby said.
Reactions to Brittney Griner sentence
Griner’s sentencing sparked outrage across the globe, with prominent voices speaking against the wrongful detention of the star WNBA player. Here are some of the reactions to Griner’s sentencing: