On Thursday, WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to controversial drug charges in Russia after she was allegedly caught with cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
“I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. “I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner told the judge.
Aside from pleading guilty to her case, Griner also asked for “time to prepare” her testimony.
According to reports, if found guilty by the court, Griner, 31, could face 10 years in prison.
On Wednesday, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to use every means available to secure the release of Griner from a Russian prison.
In a telephone call, Biden and Harris made the assurance to the wife of the detained WNBA star.
The US president made the vow in response to the letter sent by Griner to the White House on Monday, asking for more help in gaining freedom for herself and other wrongfully detained Americans around the world.
“[A]s I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner said.
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020, and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. Griner added, “I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
The White House said that Obama offered his support to Cherelle and Brittney’s family, and he committed to ensuring they are provided with all possible assistance while his administration pursues every avenue to bring Brittney home.
Russian authorities arrested Griner, a 31-year-old Olympic gold medalist, on Feb. 17 after vape cartridges with an oil substance derived from marijuana were found in her luggage at an airport outside Moscow.
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