Britney Griner was imprisoned in Russia for nine years - EZFICE

Britney Griner was imprisoned in Russia for nine years

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A Russian court sentenced American basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on Thursday after finding her guilty of knowingly bringing cannabis oil vaporizers into Russia even though it was illegal.

His sentence could pave the way for a prisoner swap between the US and Russia, including the 31-year-old athlete and an imprisoned Russian who was once a dangerous arms dealer.

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Earlier, in a trembling voice, Griner pleaded with a Russian judge not to end his life with a heavy sentence, before breaking down in tears in court.

Russian prosecutors have demanded that Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star, be sentenced to nine and a half years in prison if found guilty of bringing illegal drugs into Russia.

Griner was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on February 17 with a vape box containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty but said she had no intention of bringing banned substances into Russia or harming anyone.

“I made an honest mistake and I hope your decision doesn’t end my life,” Griner told the court before breaking down in tears. “My parents taught me two important things: first, take responsibility and second, work hard for everything you have. That’s why I pleaded guilty to these charges.”

The case plunged the 31-year-old Texas athlete into geopolitical turmoil when President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.

US President Joe Biden has faced pressure to intervene on behalf of Americans detained in Russia as tensions between the US and Russia have risen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

“I know everyone is talking about political pawns and politics, but I want that to stay out of this courtroom,” Greener said.

Marijuana is illegal in Russia for medical and recreational purposes.

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