A Russian court found Brittney Griner guilty of drug smuggling with criminal intent on Thursday. The court sentenced her to 9.5 years in prison, leaving many outraged. President Biden called the penalty "unacceptable."
Widespread outrage after Russia's sentences Griner to 9.5 years in prison
A Russian court issued a ruling on Thursday in the case of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who was arrested at a Moscow airport in February after cannabis oil in a vape cartridge was found in her luggage.
While many thought she would merely be charged with possession, the court ruled that she was guilty of drug smuggling with criminal intent and sentenced her to nine and a half years in prison.
Previously pled guilty to drug possession charges
Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession charges last month, apologized to the court, and maintained that her bringing it into the country was an accident of hastily packing. Her defense presented evidence that Griner has a doctor's prescription to use cannabis to treat pain. She told the court that she did not intentionally intend to break Russian law, ESPN reported.
The sentencing fueled outrage on social media.
WNBA and NBA sound off, issue declaration to global sports community and governing bodies
The WNBA and the NBA posted a joint statement about the sentence, saying in part, "today's verdict and sentencing is unjustified and unfortunate, but not unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongfully detained."
The players union for the WNBA (WNBPA) also denounced the sentence, deeming it "unjust" and pointed out her work as a "global sports ambassador" and her accomplishments as "an Olympic Gold Medalist, a EuroLeague Champion, and a Russian League Champion" who is "loved by fans all over the world." The WNBPA added: "Given her record of service on and off the court, BG deserves to come home."
"To the entire global sport community and particularly the governing bodies you should be paying attention to this case," the WNBPA declared, "making noise and standing with us in support of BG and the safety of all athletes traveling to compete internationally."
President Biden denounces Russia, calls Griner's sentence as "unacceptable"
After Russia's ruling in the Brittney Griner case, President Joe Biden condemned her lengthy prison sentence by calling it "unacceptable," The Hill reported.
"Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," President Biden said in a statement. "It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates."
Biden went on to say that his administration would continue its efforts to free Griner--as well as Paul Whelan, another American detained in Russia--and bring them both back to the United States "as soon as possible."
Griner's sentence highlights strained US Russian relations
The US government has consistently maintained that Griner was "wrongfully" detained by Russia.
Hugh Dugan, a longtime diplomat who served as the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs under the Trump administration, says such rhetoric could complicate negotiations, Fox reported. "I believe the president's continuing reference to wrongful detention at this point can only make Russia bristle."
Griner's attorneys called the verdict "absolutely unreasonable" and said they will appeal. However, the lawyers say the appeal "will almost certainly be denied" and that "the real deal can be discussed between Moscow and Washington."