US basketball star Brittney Griner has been jailed for nine years in Russia for drug smuggling. The court in Chimki near Moscow made this judgment on Thursday (08/04/2022) and thus fell just short of the demand of the public prosecutor’s office, which had applied for nine and a half years.
The 31-year-old, who has been in prison since February, has more hope than ever for a prisoner exchange. US President Joe Biden called the decision “unacceptable” in a first reaction. “I made a mistake and I hope your judgment doesn’t end my life here”, Griner pleaded before the verdict. But the court showed no mercy. Prosecutors and defense have the right to appeal. But the chances of the American lawyer’s team being able to bring about a noticeable reduction are likely to be poor.
Prosecutor demanded nine and a half years
“I call on the court to find Griner guilty and to sentence her to nine years and six months in prison,” prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko demanded, along with a fine of the equivalent of 16,000 euros, which was also imposed. The maximum penalty for a crime like Griner committed is ten years in prison in Russia.
The court exhausted its possibilities almost completely. Most recently, the representatives of the two-time Olympic champion had spread hope. “We expect a rather mild verdict,” said lawyer Alexander Boykow last week. The assessment was obviously wrong. Griner faced charges of violating national drug laws.
Cannabis oil in vape cartridges
The US star player was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after security forces found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial. Vlasenko said Griner “deliberately” walked through the corridor for undeclared passengers and said he did so “to hide the substance.”