The court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison for drug possession and trafficking. In addition, he also received a fine of one million rubles, i.e. around 15,800 euros.
by Brittney Griner as expected, the legal team has appealed against the sentence received by the basketball player in Russia. Tells about it to CNN (you will switch to another service)Griner’s attorney Maria Blagovina.
– He is very upset and stressed. He can barely speak, Blagovolina said.
Russian authorities arrested 31-year-old Brittney Griner in February at the Moscow airport. Hashish oil was found in Griner’s luggage.
Griner admitted that he had hashish oil on his way, but said it was an honest mistake. Griner added that he did not intend to bring the banned substance to Russia.
The court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison for drug possession and trafficking. In addition, he also received a fine of one million rubles, i.e. around 15,800 euros.
Also the President of the United States Joe Biden has called for Griner’s immediate release.
– I demand that Russia release him immediately so that he can be with his wife, loved ones, friends and teammates, Biden said at the beginning of August.
The 206-centimeter Griner, who plays in the WNBA, is the center of the Phoenix Mercury. He has been selected for the league’s all-star game six times.
Griner has also won two Olympic gold medals for the US team.