Brittney Griner is fighting her drug case in Russia, formally filing an appeal of her conviction abroad, days after she was sentenced to 9 years behind bars there.
Griner’s attorney confirmed the filing on CNN Monday. It is not immediately known what the reasons for the appeal are, or when it will be heard in court.
TMZ.com
WNBA star Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges could face 10 years
The move, however, was expected, after Griner convicted and sentenced on the 4th of August. The WNBA superstar admitted to having hash oil in her luggage at Moscow airport, but told a courtroom that she had packed it unintentionally and had no intention of breaking the law .
Regardless of the appeals process, the United States, which has called Griner wrongfully detained, continues to try to reach a prisoner swap deal with Russia to bring the 31-year-old home.
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“I’m asking Russia to release him immediately so he can be with his wife, loved ones, friends and teammates,” Biden said after his sentencing earlier this month.
“My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every avenue possible to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Griner has been locked up in Russia since mid-February.
