The verdict is: basketball player Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia

Nine years in prison for drug possession and trafficking. This is the sentence pronounced by the judge of the court of Khimki in Russia on Thursday 4 August against Brittney Griner, 31, American basketball superstar. A sentence accompanied by a fine of 1 million rubles (just over 16 thousand euros).

The trial began in early July, when the player was jailed for nearly six months, on February 17, the day of her arrest at the Moscow airport, for possessing cannabis oil.

An unfair verdict, according to Brittney Griner’s attorneys

Brittney Griner has found guilty during the hearing. His attorneys for her claimed that she had a prescription for the use of cannabis to relieve chronic pain and presented a medical document attesting to this version.

Before her conviction, the player wanted to apologize to the court:

“I never wanted to hurt anyone, I never wanted to endanger the Russian people, I never wanted to break the law here. I made an unintentional mistake and I hope your decision doesn’t end my life. I know everyone is talking about political strategy, but I hope it has no place in this court. “

Brittney Griner’s attorneys did it ten days to appeal. “ We are very disappointed with this verdict. “reported Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov. “As jurists, we believe that the court should be fair to everyone, regardless of nationality. She completely ignored the defense evidence and, more importantly, the fact that she pleaded guilty. “

Why such a harsh verdict? The symbol that Brittney Griner represents as a black athlete and openly lesbian imprisoned in Russia does not go unnoticed. After her incarceration, the Biden administration has been trying to get her back and is negotiating a prisoner swap. This Friday, August 5, the head of Russian diplomacy has just announced his willingness to start a discussion on this topic.

“We are BG”: the world of basketball reaffirms its support for Brittney Griner

The WNBA also issued a statement calling for diplomatic action from the United States and ensuring the player’s return:

” The verdict (…) was to be expected and Brittney remains unfairly detained. The WNBA’s commitment to her safe return has not wavered and we hope that the end of this process to bring Brittney Griner back to the United States forever is near. “

Skylar Diggins-Smith, one of the players on his American team Mercury Phoenix, spoke to the press, expressing his deep sadness and anger : “We might burst into tears in front of all of you, you might see how we feel right now, I don’t know what else to tell you. It is our sister who is over there, she is not anyone. So imagine, if she was your sister or your friend. I don’t expect everyone to care. But we do. “

Photo credit: ESPN (YouTube acquisition)