KHIMKI, Russia – US basketball player Brittney Griner is suspected of having her face in a 10-year prison in a Russian court Thursday. Reuters journalist reported that he had pleaded guilty to. She said she was in court, but she did not knowingly break the law.
Greener's family called on US President Joe Byden to step up efforts to ensure the liberation of WNBA stars. Read more
"I want to plead guilty to your honor, but I didn't mean it. I didn't want to violate the law," Grinner said, speaking English and it. Was translated into Russian for the court.
"I would like to testify later. I need some time to prepare," she added.
The next court hearing was scheduled for July 14th. Storage since.
In a handwritten note, Greener appealed directly to Byden earlier this week, strengthening her US efforts to bring her home.
"I know you're dealing with a lot, but don't forget about me and other American detainees ..." Grinner wrote. "Do everything you can to bring us home."
Byden talks to Greener's wife on Wednesday and works to free her "as soon as possible." Said to her, Whitehouse said.
US officials and many athletes are calling for the release of Greener (the "BG" known to her basketball fans).
Grinner's detention also raised concerns that Moscow could use two Olympic gold medalists to negotiate the release of prominent Russian citizens under US control.
Russian authorities have no basis to consider Grinner's detention illegal, and despite Moscow's relationship with the United States over Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, the lawsuit against her is not political. I am saying.
Moscow Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riabkov said Thursday that it would be difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested that Washington stop talking about Greener's fate.
Greener, the center of Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, like a few other US players, is the UMMC of the Russian Women's Basketball Premier League to increase her income during the WNBA offseason. I was playing at Ekaterinberg.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that if a decision was made, Grinner could appeal her decision or apply for her amnesty.
