Brittney Griner: “I didn’t want to break the law.
Brittney Griner: "I didn't want to break the law.
On Thursday, U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, accused of knowingly bringing drugs into Russia, went into her second trial. Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession at this hearing, but denied that she intentionally broke the law.
“I would like to plead guilty, Your Honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t mean to break the law,” Greiner pronounced.
“I would like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare,” she added.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 14. So far, Griner has denied all of the accusations. According to the charges, she faces up to 10 years in prison.
She has been in Russian custody for more than four months. She was arrested in February while going through customs at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport after finding hash oil-containing vape cartridges in her luggage, which are banned in Russia.
Greiner, a Phoenix Mercury center in the National Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA).
Brittney Griner’s first court appearance was July 1. On Monday, U.S. Independence Day, the basketball player, in a handwritten note, asked President Biden to step up efforts to bring her home.
“I understand that you are busy dealing with very important issues, but please don’t forget about me and other American detainees,” Griner wrote. – Please do whatever you can to get us home.”
“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey or any accomplishments, I fear that I may stay here forever,” she added.
On July 6, President Biden called the basketball player’s wife, Cheryl Greiner, who is actively campaigning for Britney’s release. Biden assured her that his administration was working to get the basketball star released as soon as possible from a Russian prison, calling her detention on drug charges “unacceptable.”
The U.S. State Department, as well as many American stars and athletes, have called on Russian authorities to release Greiner, who they say was illegally detained.