Report: Russian Prosecutors Seeking 9.5 Year Prison Sentence For Brittney Griner’s Cannabis Drug Charge
Jim Heintz from the Associated Press reports that Russian prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of nine and a half years for WNBA’s Brittney Griner. Heintz stated that a conviction “appears almost certain” following the closing arguments on Thursday due to the rare issue of acquittals in Russia.
Griner has been detained in Russia for several months after Russians found vape cartridges containing cannabis oils in her luggage at a Moscow airport. Griner faces a felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted. Griner pleaded guilty to the charge, but stated she had no criminal intent.
“I didn’t have any intent to use or keep in my possession any substance that is prohibited in Russia. With them being accidentally in my bags, I take responsibility, but I did not intend to smuggle or plan to smuggle anything into Russia.”
Griner’s attorney presented the Russian court with a U.S doctor’s note which recommended she take medical cannabis to treat chronic pain she had sustained from sports injuries.
Bleacher Report has more HERE.
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