via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
It has been more than 200 days since Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for carrying cannabis oil. The WNBA star who turned 32 on October 18, 2022, is reportedly preparing for the upcoming appeal hearing. Griner’s family, friends, and well-wishers have been urging the US government to bring her home. Moreover, the US officials stated that they are still waiting for the Russian government to respond to their proposal.
Many are speculating about the outcome of the hearing on October 25. But it seems like Griner herself is not optimistic about it. Experts have reportedly said that while the court will not nullify the previous conviction, there might be a possibility of a reduced sentence. Griner will participate in the hearing through videoconference. Furthermore, she will be able to appeal to the judges after the hearing concludes.
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Before last night's ring ceremony ended, the Dubs had a surprise for a key member of the team's front office 💛 pic.twitter.com/O5tSbDwML6
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 19, 2022
Griner’s attorney, Maria Blagovolina, met the Phoenix Mercury star on her birthday and passed along several birthday cards and messages to her. While the past few months have been extremely hard for Griner, Blagovolina said that the WNBA champion did smile a little.
According to ESPN, sources close to Brittney Griner said that she is not hopeful about the upcoming hearing. Griner believes that Russia will not respond to the case in any way before the US midterm elections that are scheduled to take place on November 8. The apparent reason is said to be that the Russian government does not want Biden to win.
Possible outcome of the Brittney Griner case that raises concern among her well-wishers
The American government had earlier proposed a prisoner swap to Russia. They had agreed to transfer Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan. The Russian officials have yet to respond to their offer. Therefore, the US officials and Griner’s family are worried that Russia will shift Griner to the prison camp after the hearing. Their reason is that Griner would be vulnerable and exposed to ill-treatment from the prisoners and the guards.
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However, Griner’s attorney stated that it is highly unlikely that the court would order her to be moved so soon. Moreover, Blagovolina informed that Griner will be permitted to choose a location of her choice, preferably not far from Moscow.
“It’s a complicated process [that] can take anywhere from three weeks to three months,” said Blagovolina.
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It still remains a concern for Griner as US officials believe that Russia will do what they want with Griner and the American government will not be able to interfere. As of now, it all depends on the appeal hearing.
