WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russia to up to 10 years in prison over vape cartridge

WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis oil on day two of her closely watched trial in Russia, where she now faces up to 10 years in prison. The focus now is on whether Moscow and Washington can reach an agreement on their release and the release of other American inmates in the country amid deep-seated diplomatic problems over the Kremlin’s savage war against Ukraine.

According to a news reporter present in the courtroom, Griner told the judge that she would like to plead guilty. She then added that there was no intent and she didn’t want to break the law. Griner then asked that her testimony be taken a later day, saying she needed some time to get ready and the court was adjourned.

GRINERS COURT CASE

Last week, Russian customs officials stated in an indictment that two vape cartridges were found in Griner’s luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport in February, a week before Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russian media reported that Griner informed the court that she was in a hurry when she was packing and the vape cartridges accidentally ended up in her luggage. Griner’s attorney said airport employees who witnessed the bags being searched testified to prosecutors.

Griner played basketball in Russia, as many female pro players do abroad, to increase their earnings while maintaining their off-season skills.

Ryabkob indicated that the Russian side is open to negotiations once Griner’s case is closed, stating that they have a long-established method of discussing these matters. Apparently, the necessary legal proceedings have not yet been completed. Until then, there are no formal, nominal and procedural reasons for further steps, Ryabkov said.

AMERICA PUSHES PRISONER EXCHANGE

A senior Russian official had previously indicated that no steps could be taken to exchange prisoners until the case was resolved.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed that US pressure for a prisoner swap did not improve the chances of Griner’s release. Ryabkov spoke to journalists ahead of the court hearing. Ryabkov stated that the American side’s attempts to create noise and hype in public are understandable, but are of no practical help in solving the problem.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the US would not give up seeking the release of Griner and other Americans detained in Russia, such as ex-Marine Paul Whelan. He tweeted that they will not relax until Paul Whelan, Brittney and other wrongly imprisoned Americans return with their loved ones.

Elizabeth Rood, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Moscow, handed Griner a letter from the US President and spoke with her briefly about how she was doing in prison.

In an email to The Washington Post, Rood wrote that Griner said she eats well, reads books, and is doing well under the circumstances. Rood said the most important thing was that she delivered a letter from the President to Griner, and Griner read the letter. Rood added that the United States government is working at the highest level to bring Ms. Griner and other unjustly detained US citizens home safely.

HOW TENSIONS BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND MOSCOW COULD AFFECT THE CASE

Although it’s unclear when Griner’s sentencing will come, the trial will resume on July 14. Maria Blagovolina, one of Griner’s lawyers, told The Post that they expect the process to be completed fairly quickly, in no more than three to five sessions.

She added that they hope the admission of guilt will persuade the court to impose a lighter sentence, and they will call for it.

Ivan Pavlov, a prominent Russian human rights lawyer who was forced to leave the country in September, said Russian courts are usually less strict in cases involving a guilty plea.

However, he said this case is largely political, which could result in a harsher verdict. He said he believed they would try to raise the price as much as possible and would give her a maximum penalty to induce the other side to act.

Because if the punishment is mild, it will be difficult to get the other side interested in negotiations.

Griner’s arrest comes amid intense tensions between Moscow and Washington, which have been heightened in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. When diplomatic efforts to prevent war failed in January, the US embassy in Moscow warned Americans against any visits to Russia.

INTERACTION WITH THE WHITEHOUSE

A White House statement said Griner was being held in untenable circumstances. This statement was made after President Biden and Vice President Harris called Cherelle, Griner’s wife, to assure her that they would do everything in their power to secure the release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.

Whelan, a national security adviser, has been in prison since December 2018. He was traveling to Moscow for a friend’s wedding when he was arrested in his hotel room and sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of espionage in a secret trial. According to the Detroit News, Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth Whelan, said the family was shocked that Biden contacted Griner’s wife but didn’t call her.

Griner recently wrote to the President asking him not to forget her and other inmates, saying she was afraid she might be there forever.

FINAL EFFECT

Brittney Griner’s case seems more complicated than your typical overseas cannabis possession case. Even after she has pleaded guilty (which, of course, is meant to result in a lenient sentence in Russian courts) and declared her lack of intention to break the law, there is a belief that the arrest and the case are more political than normal and for negotiation purposes could be used . That’s because of tensions between Russia and America, fueled by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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