Russian court confirms WNBA star Brittney Griner’s nine-year prison sentence on drug smuggling charges during an appeal hearing Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Griner could be sent to a penal colony if the U.S. or Russian governments do not negotiate a release deal.
Multiple reports indicate that Griner did not appear at court Tuesday. Instead, she was able to participate via video link from her jail. Three-judge panel from Krasnogorsk’s appeal court, which is outside Moscow, decided the outcome.
“Brittney is a very strong person and has a champion’s character,” her lawyers said in a statement Monday, per The New York Times. “She of course has her highs and lows as she is severely stressed being separated from her loved ones for over eight months.”
Griner, aged 31, was taken into custody in Russia on February 17th after authorities in Moscow found less that one gram (in vape canisters) of hashish oil inside her luggage. Russia considers hashish oil to be an illegal substance.
Griner is a center for the WNBA, just like many other players. Phoenix MercuryDuring the WNBA offseason, she played overseas. In February, she returned to Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg (her Russian team) in the Euroleague.
Following her arrest, Griner was investigated for the “large-scale transportation of drugs” and went on trial in July. During her trial, Griner pleaded guilty to the drugs charges and told a judge that she unintentionally packed the hashish oil while rushing to prepare to go to Russia. Griners were prescribed cannabis by their doctor for chronic pain, and medical marijuana is legal in Phoenix.
Griner was found guilty by a Russian court of drug smuggling, possession and other charges on Aug. 4. She was sentenced to nine year imprisonment. In an attempt to bring Griner home, the White House has opened negotiations with Russia.
Earlier this month, the White House said it has a “substantial offer” on the table and has urged Russia to accept it or “bring a strong counteroffer.” The deal includes a swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, an American arrested in Russia on espionage charges. Whelan was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years imprisonment. He has denied the charges repeatedly and maintained his innocence.
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Timeline for Brittney Griner’s detention abroad
(Photo courtesy Dmitry Lebedev / Kommersant / Sipa USA via AP Images
