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Brittney Griner’s appeal of a 9-year prison sentence rejected by Russian courts
A Russian court denied Brittney Griner's appeal for a reduced prison sentence Tuesday. Though the WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist did "not expect any miracles," she maintained some hope that the judges on the case would "hear the arguments of the defense and reduce the number of years" she'd have to spend in one of Russia's infamous penal colonies. Instead, Griner's worst nightmare was reinforced.
A ‘FRUSTRATING’ UPDATE IN GRINER’S SAGA
Unless the Russian government agrees to a prisoner exchange with the US, Griner will serve nine years in one of Russia's infamous penal colonies, which are prison-labor camps that are essentially the remnants of the Soviet Union's infamous Gulag system.
GRINER WAS ALREADY STRUGGLING IN RUSSIAN PRISON
The eight-time WNBA All-Star is facing particularly harsh — and bordering on inhumane — conditions at the Russian penal colony where she's been wrongfully detained for eight months on drug smuggling charges, a new report reveals. From infrequent showers to regular headaches, Griner is struggling as her detainment drags on.
griner was first detained EIGHT months ago
The WNBA All-Star was first arrested in February, when customs agents at a Moscow airport found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Ever since, Griner has been navigating an inconsistent Russian legal system known to be hostile towards Americans.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
As Griner’s situation transpired, the US proposed an unorthodox prisoner swap in exchange for her release and a fellow American also detained in Russia, Paul Whelan. American government officials have maintained that they’ve yet to receive a serious counteroffer out of Moscow.
ADVOCATING FOR GRINER’S FREEDOM
WNBA players are deciding not to play in Russia during the offseason amid Brittney Griner's imprisonment in the country — eyeing other countries, like Turkey and Hungary, instead. Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones, all of who have played for Russia's UMMC Ekaterinburg team with Griner, are opting out of playing in the country this winter, according to The Associated Press.
Every single day, the South Carolina Gamecocks coach tweets out a message with the number of days the 6-foot-9 center has spent imprisoned overseas, advocating for Griner's safe and swift return to the United States.
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