By John Ikani
A Russian court on Thursday sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison, after finding her guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia despite them being illegal.
The Russian court said Griner committed the crime deliberately and sentenced her to nine years of jail time and a fine of 1 million rubles, which is roughly $16,400.
Griner was arrested with less than 1 gram of cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 17.
The 31-year-old pleaded guilty and said it was “an honest mistake” due to packing in a hurry.
But the court convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics, and gave her close to the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.
Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
Griner is a double Olympic gold medallist and is considered one of the best players in the world.
She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season when she was arrested.
Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high-profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.
It is unclear how long Griner will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.
Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout – known as the Merchant of Death – could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal.
Griner’s defence team said they would appeal against Thursday’s verdict by the court in Khimki, near Moscow.
Reacting to the development, US President Joe Biden said the nine-year sentence handed down to WNBA star is “unacceptable.”
“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. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” Biden said in a statement.
He continued, “My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
