Britney Griner appeals her convictions

American basketball star’s lawyer Britney Griner appealed against a nine-year prison sentence in Russia The Russian press said on Monday about drug possession, united states of america world Russia It can lead to high-profile prisoner exchanges.

Greiner8 Phoenix Star Center Mercury of WNBAMore The two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted after she said police found vape pods laced with cannabis oil at Sheremetyevo airport on August 4. Griner admitted there were cans in her luggage, but she inadvertently stuffed them in haste and she said she had no criminal intent. His legal team has filed a written statement stating that he was prescribed cannabis to treat his pain.

He was arrested in February Moscow world Washington,A few days ago Russia send troops to Ukraine. At that moment, Greinerrecognized as one of the greatest players of all time WNBAMorereturned to Russia.

lawyer Maria Bragovolina The appeal was filed as expected, but it was not immediately clear why, the Russian news agency reported on Monday.

The maximum nine-year prison term was close to ten. bragovorin Co-Lawyer Alexander Boykov They were convicted and said the punishment was excessive. Prior to his conviction, the US State Department said: Greiner There were accusations of being “wrongfully detained” Russia I adamantly refused. Reflecting increasing pressure on the government, Biden for me to do something else Greiner Home, US Secretary of State, Anthony Brinkentook the unusual step of publicly disclosing in July that Washington had made a “substantial proposal.” Greiner go home with paul Whelanan American serving a 16-year sentence for espionage in Russia.

Blinken did not provide further details, but the AP and other media outlets reported that Washington offered to publish. Victor Bouta Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year sentence in the United States who once earned the nickname “The Merchant of Death.”

On Sunday, a senior Russian diplomat said talks had been held on the swap. “This somewhat sensitive issue of exchanging sentenced Russian and American citizens is being discussed through channels defined by the president,” he said. alexander Darchev, from the head of the North American division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the state-owned TASS news agency. “Certainly, these people are making headlines. The Russian side has been calling for the release of Viktor Bout for a long time. Details should be left to the experts.”