KHIMKI, Russia: US basketball player Brittney Griner appeared in Russian court on Tuesday, July 26, for the fifth hearing of her case on drug charges, which could carry up to 10 years in prison.
National Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA) star Griner, who played in Russia in the league’s final season, was escorted to the defendant’s cage in a courtroom at the Khimki District Court outside Moscow, bowing his head to avoid hitting the door frame.
Wearing round-rimmed glasses and a black sweatshirt, Griner shook hands with his lawyers before sitting in a crowded courtroom.
The two-time Olympic champion was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on February 17 after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in his luggage.
Griner, who applied to US President Joe Biden to secure his release, pleaded guilty but denied any intention to break Russian law.
His case comes at a time when relations between Washington and Moscow have been at their worst in decades due to Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.
US officials and prominent athletes argue that the 31-year-old was mistakenly detained and demanded his immediate release.
Russian authorities do not view Griner’s arrest as illegal and say the case against him is not political, despite Moscow’s strained relations with Washington.
Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/us-basketball-star-griner-returns-russian-court-drugs-trial-2835926
