Greener, who the US State Department has classified as wrongfully detained, faces up to 10 years in prison on the charge.
The 31-year-old was arrested in February at a Moscow airport after Russian officials said they found cannabis oil in her luggage. The basketball star, who played in Russia during the WNBA’s offseason, has since been detained on drug-smuggling charges , punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Her trial began last week.
Griner told the court on Thursday that she did not intend to commit a crime, state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Speaking through an interpreter, Griner said she did not intend to carry drugs in her luggage, but that it was the result of her luggage being rushed, the report said.
Griner left the courtroom without commenting to reporters, and her next hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Supporters of the Phoenix Mercury player have called for her release amid fears she is being used as a political pawn amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Greener’s plea came on the second day of her trial, which began last week when prosecutors accused her of smuggling less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. According to TASS, another state news agency, prosecutors say Griner intended to smuggle the drugs into Russian territory and put the banned substances in a backpack and suitcase.
On Wednesday, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone with Greener’s wife, Cheryl Greener.
Cheryl Greener was “grateful” for the call from Biden and Harris, she said in a statement Wednesday.
“While I will remain concerned and open until she returns home, I hope to know that the president has read my wife’s letter and taken the time to respond,” she said. “I know BG will be able to take comfort in knowing that she is not forgotten.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Add Comment