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Brittney Griner: Russia brings up pardon from President Putin

Basketball Imprisoned Olympic Champion

Russia brings pardon from President Putin into play

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Brittney Griner at a court hearing. The US basketball player faces up to ten years in prison

Source: dpa/Alexander Zemlianichenko

In the case of imprisoned Olympic champion Brittney Griner, Russia denies any political motivation. After a conviction, the American could write a plea for clemency to President Putin. Meanwhile, the US government is coming under increasing pressure.

RRussia has defended the detention of US basketball player Brittney Griner on drug charges while raising the possibility of a pardon. “Attempts to present the case as if the American woman was unlawfully arrested do not stand up to criticism,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexei Zaitsev said in Moscow on Wednesday. “The law has been broken.”

The diplomat said it was a “serious breach of the law” by the 31-year-old, who could face up to ten years in prison. At the same time, he said that after a conviction, Griner was free to contest the judge’s verdict or to write a petition for clemency. Anyone in Russia who applies for a pardon from the Russian President must also admit their guilt.

Griner has been in custody for four and a half months, which was last extended until December 20th. The Olympic champion is accused of possession of drugs, her trial began on Friday. She had also written to US President Joe Biden asking for help. Washington criticizes that Griner is wrongly detained.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that Biden had read the letter. Referring to Griner, Jean-Pierre reiterated the US government’s line: “We believe she is wrongly imprisoned,” she said. Every means is being used to bring them and other US citizens wrongfully detained abroad home. The case has “top priority” for the President, it said at the press briefing in the White House. The State Department and Biden’s office are also in regular contact with Griner’s family.

Russia denies allegations

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Moscow rejects the accusation that the trial against Griner was politically motivated. Griner is said to have had vape cartridges and hash oil with her when her luggage was checked at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in February.

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Spectators at a soccer game in California call for Griner’s release

Credit: AFP/RONALD MARTINEZ

Since 2015, Griner has played for the UMMC Yekaterinburg team in the Urals. She won the Euroleague four times with the top club. Griner is considered one of the best basketball players in the American women’s professional league WNBA. With the Phoenix Mercury she won the championship in 2014, with the US national team she won two gold medals at the World Championships in addition to two Olympic victories. Many professional players like Griner are not only active in their home leagues, but also abroad, including in Russia so far.

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