Griner Pleads Guilty
WNBA star Brittney Griner finally appeared in court last Friday after being detained for over four months and accused of drug charges. Griner admitted guilt to drug possession and smuggling charges. While speaking to the Russian judge she expressed her actions were unintentional. The guilty plea is claimed to be a strategy that could possibly encourage a prisoner swap, a widely discussed solution. In exchange for Griner’s freedom, Moscow asks for the release of Viktor Bout. Bout is serving a 25 year prison sentence. In 2011 the Russian arms dealer Bout, sold millions of weapons to a terrorist group that kills Americans. This trade could possibly be denied by the Justice department, but the U.S. government contemplates on the releasing of two Russians prisoners in U.S. custody for both Griner and Paul Whelan (detained in Russia since 2018).
Letter to Joe Biden
In addition to Griner’s Lawyers’ strategic guilty plea plan, a letter was handwritten sent to Biden on Monday, July 4th. In the letter she expresses her fear, begging Biden to help her as well as other Americans detained in Russia. She also mentioned her father who was in the U.S Military, her freedom in correlation to July 4th and her pessimistic mentality about possibly being in Russia’s prison forever.
As a result Biden spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner ensuring her that he is doing and will do everything he can to bring Griner home as soon as possible. Biden’s National Security team and Griner’s family have constant contact and continue to work and find a solution. The president is also assisting Griner’s family in with all matters they may be struggling with. After conversing with Griner’s wife and family, Biden plans to respond and send a letter back to Griner.
Updates moving forward
Griner remains in custody awaiting her next trial date, July 14th. A solution is unlikely until the ending of her trial which could take up to a few weeks. Unfortunately, the Russian court extended Griner’s detention through December 20th.
