American basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drug charge today in Russia. Griner was arrested on Feb. 17, when she flew into Moscow with a cannabis cartridge, according to Russian authorities.
In a Russian court appearance, Griner said “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Followed by, “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.”
The plea means that Brittney Griner now faces up to 10 years in prison but could be sentenced to more. This follows Griner’s 4th of July letter where she asked president Biden to interfere on behalf of her and other Americans who are imprisoned in Russia.
Legal experts suggest that this is a good strategy as 99% of Russian court cases result in conviction. Russian authorities have said that Griner won’t be released until the trial is over.
U.S. authorities were present during Thursday’s hearing and presented Griner with a letter from president Biden. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 14.
In court, Griner revealed that she had packed the vape cartridges in her luggage by accident. The White House press secretary said Tuesday that Griner’s release “is a priority for the president.”