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WNBA Superstar and Phoenix Mercury Center Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in Russia, according to her lawyer.
Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February 17, said in court, “ I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law.”
Accused by Russian authorities of having a vape cartridge with hashish oil in her luggage at Sheremetyevo International Airport outside of Moscow, Griner has been under arrest and detained in the country since.
If convicted, Griner could face up to 10 years in a Russian penal colony. Her next court date is set for July 14.
Last week, after her trial had started, Brittney Griner sent a handwritten letter to President Biden asking him to not forget her. “I’m terrified I might be here forever,” she wrote. In response, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, according to a statement released by the white house. “The President called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible.” The US State Department and Mr. Biden classifies Griner as being “wrongfully detained.”
Dozens of organizations supporting women, people of color, and LGBTQ voters and Cherelle Griner herself have called on President Biden and The US Government to strike a deal for Brittney Griner’s release, criticizing the administration’s lack of action as the detained Griner continues to “endure inhumane treatment, deprived of contact with her family.”
Public discussion and social media campaigns have helped raise awareness about the case and bring attention to the highest level of the United States government. Though, a top Russian diplomat has previously lashed out at the US government for trying to “foment hype” around her case.
The WNBA Season started without the American star, as the Phoenix Mercury sit fifth in Western Conference, with a 9-14 record.
As the case moves forward, there are no “formal procedural grounds” to discuss further steps, according to Sergei A. Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister. However, Moscow is willing to negotiate over her fate through communication between Russia and America. Mr. Ryabkov hinted that these talks should take place out of the public sphere.
