Brittney Griner, WNBA star, was handcuffed, disoriented, and headed for the fight her life. She was being tried in a Russian courtroom. A reporter approached her as she walked by news cameras and asked how she was doing. The American just shook her heads.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist, and center for the Phoenix Mercury, was arrested on February 17th at a Moscow airport. This occurred just one week before Russia invaded Ukraine.
After authorities discovered vape cartridges allegedly containing cannabis oil in her luggage, she was charged with smuggling as well as transporting it.
Cherelle Griner, Griner's spouse, told Al Sharpton that she hadn't heard her voice since then. However, she shared that Griner had written to her and that Griner has informed her that she is "struggling with fear."
Cherelle reports that Griner wrote in the letters, "I won’t let them break my heart," "I know they are trying to break me, but I will do my best to just keep going until I get home."
Cherelle said, "I hope that it's fast," "because I'm still not okay."
Russia expert Jeff Hawn stated to CBS News that Russia is holding Griner "hostage".
D'Agata was told by he that it was clear that they didn't need to file the severe charges they did. "They did it to get the attention of the U.S. and threaten her with the worst outcome."
Russian media speculate that Griner could be used to bargain for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer. The "Merchant of Death", also known as Griner, is currently in the United States serving a 25 year sentence for conspiring to kill Americans and aiding terrorist organizations.
Griner supporters held a vigil in New York's Russian consulate this week, hoping that Washington and Moscow might reach an agreement to bring Griner home.
When the trial resumes on Friday, sentencing will not be possible. Griner could be sentenced to 10 years if she is convicted.
There are little chances of an acquittal. Russian prosecutors have a 99 percent success rate.
