Brittney Griner, WNBA star, pleaded guilty to Russian drug possession and smuggling allegations. She told a Moscow court that she accidentally brought marijuana into Russia.
Griner was detained at Moscow's airport in February when Russian officials claimed that she had cannabis oil in her bag. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center, was ordered by a Russian judge to remain in custody.
She stated in court that she would plead guilty to the charges but did not intend on violating any Russian laws. "I was in a hurry packing and the cartridges accidentally got in my bags."
Griner pleaded guilty to another witness at Thursday's hearing. Griner pleaded guilty to another witness. The WNBA player is scheduled to testify at a later date. She has requested extra time to prepare. The session was adjourned until July 14.
Griner could spend 10 years in Russian prison if he is convicted of drug smuggling.
Griner's plea could help bring her case closer to a verdict, which would allow her defense team to activate proceedings and U.S officials to secure her release.
Russian media speculated that Griner might be part of a prisoner exchange similar to the one U.S.-Russia arranged in spring. This swap would have involved former Marine Trevor Reed being exchanging with Konstantin Yaroshenko (who was previously jailed for drug smuggling)
An influential Russian diplomat indicated earlier Thursday that Moscow was willing to negotiate Griner’s fate but only after the court has handed its verdict. Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister, also criticised U.S. efforts to "stir hype" about Griner's situation after Griner was "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. government and given a hostage envoy to assist her.
According to TASS news agency, Ryabkov stated that "We have a long-established method of discussing these topics, and the American attempts to stir hype and make public noise in the public sphere, are clear to us. They do not help with the practical solution to the issue."
Griner wrote in a letter that was sent to the White House Monday that the WNBA player was afraid she might be held in Russia forever.
On Wednesday, President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris spoke to Griner's spouse Cherelle. According to the White House, he wanted to "reassure her" that he was working to secure Brittney’s release as soon possible. He also worked with Paul Whelan and other U.S. citizens who are being held hostage in Russia or around the globe.
