US basketball star Brittney Griner has been jailed for nine years after being found guilty of drug charges in Russia. The 31-year-old was sentenced following her conviction for smuggling 702 grams of cannabis oil with criminal intent in February.
The player admitted to packing in "too great a hurry" and, in the process, took vape cartridges containing the substance in her luggage by accident. Joe Biden has since hit out at the damning verdict and has vowed to fight for the woman's freedom, reports the Mirror.
The US President said: "Ms Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and team-mates.
"My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney home safely as soon as possible."
The high profile athlete was also fined a million rubles (around £15,000) by the court. A few months after being arrested, she pleaded guilty to drug-related charges although she said she didn't intend to break any laws.
The verdict was delivered amid concerns she is being used as a political pawn as Russia struggles under widespread sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. She will serve the sentence in a penal colony, a settlement used to exile prisoners and separate them from the general population by placing them in a remote location.
Ms Griner said sorry to her team and her family ahead of the verdict being handed down.
She said court: “I want to apologise to my team-mates, my club, my fans for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them. I want to also apologise to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organisation back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”
The amount of oil she was caught carrying was less than the weight of a pen cap, her lawyers said. Prosecutors alleged it’s enough to meet the “significant amount” threshold under article 229 of Russia’s criminal code.
Earlier, she pleaded: “I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life."
The case has thrown further spotlight on hostage diplomacy as the war in Ukraine rages.
Griner's detention has been criticised by US officials, who contend the athlete has been "wrongfully imprisoned" and should be released. Tensions between Russia and the West are at a high amid the former's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
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