A lot has happened since Olympic gold-medalist Birtney Griner wrote an open letter to president Joe Biden, seeking help to free her from Russian jail. The U.S. basketball star has been held in Russia since February on accusations of drug smuggling. Now, she has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court but has denied deliberately breaking the law.
Didn’t Break The Law…
WNBA star Britney Griner, who was being called a political pawn by several dignitaries in the United States, has pleaded guilty to drug charges during her appearance in a Russian court. However, the Olympic gold medalist has denied any intention to break the law in a case that has further inflamed tensions between Moscow and Washington.
“I was in a rush packing and the cartridges accidentally ended up in my bag,” she told the Russian court in Khimki. “I’d like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Brittney Griner told the court in English. In handcuffs and wearing a red T-shirt and trousers, she said she would like to give her testimony later and needed time to prepare. The trial was then adjourned for a week.
A source closer to Griner claimed that the decision to plead guilty was made by Griner alone, a source close to her said. It came out that in recent weeks, Griner, her family, lawyers and experts discussed this decision extensively. Given the 99% reported conviction rate in Russian criminal cases, Griner was urged to weigh all the factors, including a plea that could ultimately result in a shorter sentence.
The move comes after the two-time Olympic gold medalist wrote an open letter to president Joe Biden on July 4, crying for help. She wrote: “…as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
President Joe Biden Calls Griner’s Wife
Some have speculated Griner could be released and returned to the US in a prisoner swap, as was Trevor Reed, an American veteran who was detained in Russia for three years before being released in April. However, there is no indication that such a swap is imminent in Griner’s case.
In Reed’s case, he had to sign a document saying he was guilty — something he had resisted for almost the entirety of his detention — just days before he was let out, the official said. However, his family spokesperson Jonathan Franks stated: “It is part of the show and the document has no legal force or effect in the US. It is effectively meaningless.”
As for Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner has, time and again, requested the government for Griner’s release stating that she is innocent. Cherelle earlier told a rally organised by her wife’s Phoenix Mercury team: “I’m frustrated that 140 days have passed since my wife has been able to speak to me, to our family and to our friends. I’m frustrated that my wife is not going to get justice.”
However, Griner’s plea in the court puts a lot in jeopardy – from US Government’s claim about her “wrongful detention” to Griner’s open letter that invited a lot of sympathies. Even though her crime remains petty, the Russians cannot be trusted. A lot of questions remain unanswered. Griner’s next hearing has been set for July 14. This story is developing…
