Russian prosecutors on Thursday requested nine and a half years in prison for American women’s basketball star Brittney Griner, who has been in prison in Russia since February 17, for cannabis trafficking, AFP reports.
The case is being considered in the Khimki court in the context of tensions between Moscow and Washington.
“I demand that Griner be found guilty and sentenced to nine and a half years in a regular prison,” This was stated by prosecutor Mykola Vlassenkodemanding a fine of 16,000 euros for the athlete.
The punishment requested by the prosecutor’s office is close to the maximum for such cases – 10 years of imprisonment.
Arrested in February after cannabis-based vaping liquid was found in her luggage upon arrival in Moscow, 31-year-old Brittney Griner is considered one of the best basketball players in the world.
The two-time world champion admitted her guilt, but said that she took the substance to Russia unintentionally, and denied charges of drug trafficking.
On Thursday, the prosecutor emphasized that the athlete tried to hide the cannabis-based liquid from customs officials.
At the height of the conflict in Ukraine, Griner’s trial acquired a geopolitical dimension, when Moscow and Washington discussed a possible exchange of prisoners, in which the basketball player could be involved, writes News.ro.
Source: Hot News RO
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