American basketball star Brittney Griner was detained at a Russian airport
American basketball star Britney Greener ‘very nervous’ ahead of appeal hearing against her prison sentence for drug possession in Russia court later today, her legal team said.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is seeking a reduction in the nine-year sentence handed down to her by a Russian court in August.
“She is very nervous while waiting for the appeal to be heard. Brittney is not expecting any miracles, but hopes the appeals court will listen to the defense’s arguments and reduce the term,” Griner’s legal team said in a statement.
Phoenix Mercury star, who played for the Russian team UMMC from Yekaterinburg since 2014 during WNBA Off-season, shortly before that he was detained on February 17 at the Moscow airport Russia began his war in Ukraine.
Authorities claimed she was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage, but the athlete said she packed them by accident and had no criminal intent.
“I made an honest mistake, and I hope that in your judgment it doesn’t end my life here,” Griner told the judge when she pleaded guilty in August.
Brittney Griner will appear at today’s hearing via video link
Britney Griner will speak at today’s hearing via video link from the detention center where she is being held, her lawyers Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykau said.
The American Olympian will consider an appeal against a nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.
Her lawyers expect a verdict the same day.
Shweta SharmaOctober 25, 2022 05:27
Join us for our live coverage of Britney Griner’s appeal hearing in a Russian court on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.
Shweta SharmaOctober 25, 2022 05:00
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/wnba-brittney-griner-trial-russia-latest-b2209758.html
