Moscow — According to Russian press, imprisoned American basketball star Brittney Griner was charged with drug possession and smuggling during atrial in Moscow. Convicted
The report cited Griner as pleading guilty to the charges in court hearing on Thursday. They spoke through her interpreter and said she acted unintentionally because she was packing in a hurry.
Grinner was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow in February after an arc canister containing cannabis oil was found in her luggage. If she is convicted of a large transport of drugs, she will face up to 10 years in prison.
Last week, the Phoenix Mercury star and two Olympic gold medalist trials began.
Read more: What you need to know about WNBA star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia
This is the latest news update. The previous story of AP is as follows.
Moscow — Prisoned American basketball star Britney Grinner returns to Russian court on Thursday and senior Russian diplomats talk about how Russia handles the case in the United States. He faced a trial on drug charges because his criticism warned that it would not help her prospects for release.
Greener's trial began last week with growing calls for Washington to do more to secure her freedom, about five months after her arrest.
Before the hearing on Thursday, Russian police escorted Greener in a bright red T-shirt and sports pants, handcuffed to court, past a crowd of journalists.
The athlete was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow in February after an arc canister containing hemp oil was found in his luggage. If she is convicted of a large transport of drugs, she will face her up to 10 years in prison.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Thursday that "Americans are trying to make a public noise ... it doesn't help in a practical solution to the problem."
The White House called President Joe Biden on Wednesday to assure her that she was doing everything she could to get her athlete's release as soon as possible. Said. They spoke after Biden read the letter from Greener.
Washington has not announced the strategy for this case, andthe United States may have made little use of Moscow due to the strong hostages of Russia's military action in UkraineThe State Department moved her case under the supervision of a special presidential envoy for hostage issues, alleging that she was illegally detained in the designation of Grinner, and was effectively the government's main hostage negotiator.
Asked about the possibility that Grinner could be exchanged for a Russian imprisoned in the United States, Ryabkov, a senior Russian diplomat, said, "formally talk about further steps until her trial is over. Or there is no procedural reason. " ..
He said that US criticisms, including an explanation that Grinner was unfairly detained and negatively commented on Russia's judicial system, "will make a detailed discussion of possible exchanges." It's making it difficult. "
"The US administration... has been" unfairly detained "people sentenced to imprisonment for serious criminal articles and those waiting for the end of an investigation and court verdict. It is expressed as "ta". Washington refused to take a calm view of the outside world, "Ryabkov asserted.
The Phoenix Mercury star and two Olympic gold medalist trials have been postponed after the start of last week due to the absence of two scheduled witnesses. Such delays are common in Russian courts, and her detention has been approved until 20 December, suggesting that the proceedings may last for several months.
It was unclear if Greener would testify on Thursday.
Grinner's supporters were initially unobtrusive, but since the first day of her trial, she has called on the United States to take action.
Rev. Al Sharpton, one of America's most prominent black activists, called on Biden this week to arrange a prayer meeting with Greener. She wants the president to act on her plea to return home.
The organization Win With Black Women, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, "calls Brittney's wife, Cherelle Gringer, to guarantee her, and Brittney's safe return is a personal priority." I sent a letter to Biden. But we are concerned that rhetoric does not seem to match the actions taken so far. We encourage you to make a deal to get Britney back home quickly.
Russian news media has been exchanged for Grinner's Russian weapons merchant Viktor Bout, who has been sentenced to 25 years in the United States for conspiracy to kill him. I repeatedly speculate that there is a possibility. Providing assistance to US citizens and terrorist organizations.
Russia has been excited about the release of Bout for years. However, a major discrepancy between Grinner's alleged crime and the global trade in Bout's deadly weapons could make such an exchange unpalatable to Washington.
Others deal with former Marines and security chief Paul Weeran, who have been sentenced to 16 years in Russia, on a spy conviction that the United States has repeatedly described as a setup. It suggests that it can be done.
Russia is showing no signs of retreat.
"This is a serious crime, confirmed by indisputable evidence ... I can't hold up an attempt to present the case as if the Americans were illegally detained," Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Mann, Alexei Zaitsev, said Wednesday.
"It is against the law and discussions about the innocent nature of Greener's addiction, by the way, are punished in some US states, but in this case it is inappropriate," he said. Said.
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