American basketball star Brittney Griner is guilty of drug possession and smuggling and was aware of it. That has been decided by a judge in Russia. She was sentenced to 9 years in prison and a fine of 1 million rubles (16,000 euros).
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Brittney Griner, a two-time Olympic gold winner and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) star, was arrested on February 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport with cannabis oil vape cartridges in her luggage. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for recreational as well as medical purposes. Since then, Griner has been in Russian custody.
Earlier today, the Russian prosecutor’s office and the defense presented their closing arguments. The prosecutor’s office demanded 9.5 years in prison, Griner’s lawyers argued for the acquittal. Maria Blagovolina, one of Griner’s lawyers, stated that it was not her intention to illegally smuggle in a cannabis product. “If the court finds it necessary to punish Griner, then she should receive the most lenient sentence,” she said. In addition, according to Alexander Boikov, another lawyer for the basketball star, some files were illegal.
The WNBA star was allowed to speak for himself at the end of the process. During her plea, she said she had no intention of breaking the law or hurting anyone. “I made a mistake, and I hope you won’t end my present life,” she said. “Everyone is talking about the political entanglements, but I hope that is kept far away from this trial. I never intended to commit this crime.’
