Brittney Griner Sentenced to Nine Years in Russian Prison
After being arrested on Feb. 17 in a Moscow airport for bringing cannabis into the country, Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison after being found guilty of drug possession and smuggling. Alongside that, she was also fined one million rubles — the U.S. equivalent of $16,500. The conclusions weren’t much of a surprise as Griner plead guilty on July 7. She even took in the verdict with a blank, poker face as if she didn’t seem affected by the decision.
All hope isn’t completely lost for her though, as the actual length of her detainment is still yet to be determined and is dependent on negotiations between the United States and Russia concerning prisoner swaps. Based on President Joe Biden’s statements, it seems like the government is willing to do whatever they can to ensure the WNBA star is back home, instead of in Russia.
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” Biden said on Thursday. “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 said.
Quotes via The White House
The President continues to express strong sentiments regarding Griner’s situation and seems compelled to get the Phoenix Mercury star back to the States as quickly as possible, with negotiations of a prisoner swap seemingly ongoing. According to ESPN, Russian officials “insisted” that a deal between the two countries could not be considered before Griner was sentenced.
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