Brittney Griner: jailed for nine years

[no1novice]

Brittney Griner: US basketball star jailed for nine years on drug charges

Brittney Griner: US basketball star jailed for nine years on drug charges

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1 hour ago

Two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA player Brittney GrinerImage source, EPA




Image caption,
Brittney Griner (right) pleaded guilty to drug charges - but denied deliberately breaking the law

A Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges.

As Griner, 31, was being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, she was heard saying: "I love my family."

The double Olympic winner has admitted possessing cannabis oil, but told the court she had made an "honest mistake".

The court near Moscow convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics. The prosecution had sought a nine-and-a-half year jail term.

Reading the verdict on Thursday, the presiding judge said she had taken into account the fact that the American had already spent a considerable time in detention.

Griner's defence lawyer Maria Blagovolina said her client was "very upset, very stressed".

"She can hardly talk. It's a difficult time for her. When we saw Brittney on Tuesday, we told her, 'See you on Thursday'. She said, 'See you on doomsday'. So it looks like she was right."

The defence team said they would appeal against the verdict.

Griner, who is considered one of the best female players in the world, was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.

She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.

Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high-profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.

US President Joe Biden called the sentencing "unacceptable".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone travelling, working, and living abroad."

It is unclear how long she will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.


Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout - known as the Merchant of Death - could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal.


Speaking after her sentencing, White House national security spokesman John Kirby urged Russia to accept the "serious proposal" offered by the US for Griner and fellow detained US citizen Paul Whelan.

"It's a serious proposal. We urge them to accept it. They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it," Mr Kirby said.

After the court heard closing arguments, Griner said: "I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life."

"I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime," she added.

Griner also said she had received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer in the initial hours of her detention, and that she had to use a translation app on her phone to communicate.

BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62427635



I totally get the political aspect of this but if cannabis is illegal it's not wrongful detention. Just sayin'

cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-a-legal-roadmap-to-cannabis/russia

[waterslide]

I agree. When she was first arrested I thought no one would be stupid enough to bring CBD oil through customs, but here we are. That's not to say I don't feel for her, though. It's got to be terrifying...

Completely beside the point, but she is sooo much taller than the guards. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing for her while in prison...

edit - I thought the unlawful detention was based on the fact that she was locked up and hadn't been formally charged for months and didn't have access to an attorney? 

[notoriousmkg]

I don't even know what CBD oil is? Our daughter worked at Ulta last summer and I just asked her if they sold it because I could have sworn they did, but she said no.

Either way, Putin was going to take a high-profile hostage and use some ridiculous pretext to do it.

I know we've been working on trading a Russian arms dealer (Viktor Bout) for Greiner, which is an incredibly lopsided trade considering the crap that Bout was up to for years. Even then, it's not clear that Putin will go for it. Which tells you that Greiner is worth more to Putin for the public spectacle and to hopefully make the Biden Administration look impotent in some way.

[waterslide]

Brittney was using CBD oil in a vape pen, but you can also find it in a lot of topical lotions that you can buy at places like Whole Foods if it's legal in your state. It's just the oil derived from the cannabis plant. It's not supposed to make you high.  

I was going to say the same thing re Victor Bout. Russia's definitely getting the "deal" in this trade. I don't much about the other American guy.

Ulta does sell some items with CBD oil, but there isn't much regulation over it and it could really just be a tiny drop just to say it's in there.  If it's not legal in your state, then your daughter probably wasn't selling it?

[trixie]

Hmm well if I'm gonna take an old lady stance, I guess I would say what the hell was she doing with CBD anything if she was trying to enter Russia, knowin the rules, as she had been there many times before? Good grief, you know the US has no real power to get you a freaking pardon, right? "Oh it was just a mistake" thanks for turning it into an international incident.

Makes me think about that kid in North Korea, horrible of course, but why would anyone go to NK or let their kid go there, knowing they're just a damn sitting duck. Of course we'll never know if that poor kid committed any kind of crime but I have to state the obvious, why would he be in that damn country in the first place?

[waterslide]

Aug 5, 2022 5:11:28 GMT trixie said:

Hmm well if I'm gonna take an old lady stance, I guess I would say what the hell was she doing with CBD anything if she was trying to enter Russia, knowin the rules, as she had been there many times before? Good grief, you know the US has no real power to get you a freaking pardon, right? "Oh it was just a mistake" thanks for turning it into an international incident.

Makes me think about that kid in North Korea, horrible of course, but why would anyone go to NK or let their kid go there, knowing they're just a damn sitting duck. Of course we'll never know if that poor kid committed any kind of crime but I have to state the obvious, why would he be in that damn country in the first place?

I agree about her breaking the law in another country.  It actually reminds me of that kid in the 80s or 90s that was vandalizing cars in Singapore and ended up getting caned for it all while the US was denouncing it as brutal.  But if someone broke a law here, lord knows what would happen. Yet, the US may be a hellhole, and the prisons are terrible compared to some other countries, but Russia is and has always been on my list of places I never want to do something dumb and go to prison in.  Maybe I read too much Solzhenitsyn in high school. 

Otto Warmbier didn't know what hit him, either.  He was old enough to make his own decisions, technically, but if I were his mom, I would have got down on my knees and begged him not to go.  Seriously.  And I think it's fine (or at least better) if you're not an American Bastard, South Korean, or Japanese, but it wouldn't be worth it to me.  That said, I don't even think it's him "vandalizing" the Great Leader's poster.  I really wish I knew what they did to him.  Remember when Bill Clinton had to go over there and get Laura Ling and Euna Lee freed from the clutches of Kim Jong Il.  Like Russia is just mean, but NK is crazy and mean.  

Also reminds me of when those two missionary girls in Afghanistan were taken prisoner by the Taliban and they supposedly had the SEALs or the regular old military go save them.  That pissed me off because they knew they were in a Muslim country trying to proselytize.  They were handing out bibles and barbies to people who could DIE if they were in possession of said bibles and barbies.  Fucking nuts.  

[trixie]

Yeah, I think Otto was probably beaten and tortured and it's horrific. Trump was able to get him out of there due to his close personal friendship with Kim but basically all he did was get him home so his family could bury him.

These are not friendly countries people, and as an American you have a target on your back. It should be printed in bold letters on their tickets, "Travel at Your Own Risk! If you fuck up and get arrested the US Government cannot help you! You are on your own!"

Putin knows this is a big story here and that people want her back and this is a chance for him to make Biden look weak/bad and he is LOVING it.

[no1novice]

I don't think that it's "dangerous" to travel but it's dangerous to do something stupid.
She had a couple of vials of CBD vape oils so they got her for smuggling and possession in a country with zero tolerance on even medical use.


As an old lady when I travel to the US with my pain killers I make sure that I have good documentation (prescription) and they travel in the box with my pharmacy sticker on them; in my hand luggage, in a ziplock bag in an envelope with the paperwork.
I don't care if other people think it's stupid, a little care + I neither have to surrender them nor do I have them confiscated.





Mo
CBD is the anti-anxiety, relaxant part of cannabis.
THC is the phschotropic (sp?).
"CBD was federally legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill, which means it's legal in all 50 states." Federal Law.

[kittylady]

Aug 5, 2022 20:22:57 GMT no1novice said:

I don't think that it's "dangerous" to travel but it's dangerous to do something stupid.

I think with the state of things between Russia and most of the rest of the world I would prefer not to take the risk of traveling there at all.

[waterslide]

Exactly. I wouldn't have thought twice about traveling to Russia a few years ago (other than normal caution), but obviously would not go at the moment and would never do something that really is stupid and possibly entitled behavior.

About the CBD oil, I was confused in my post. It's legal only if it's a tiny amount and as far as I recall it's not very well regulated so manufacturers can put the least amount in and claim it has the benefits of CBD when it probably doesn'

[no1novice]

Not legal in Russia though...

In December 2018, the Russian Ministry of Sports issued Order No. 53177 stating that cannabinoids are prohibited from being used by sportsmen.

In July 2019, the new law amending the current Law on Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances
was enforced. In particular, it aims to support localisation of manufacturing of opioid-containing medicines. It should facilitate Russian patients’ access to such medicines.

However, these regulatory developments do not significantly change the regulatory regime for cannabis in Russia. The use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes remains prohibited.

cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-a-legal-roadmap-to-cannabis/russia

Aug 6, 2022 1:25:29 GMT kittylady said:

Aug 5, 2022 20:22:57 GMT no1novice said:

I don't think that it's "dangerous" to travel but it's dangerous to do something stupid.

I think with the state of things between Russia and most of the rest of the world I would prefer not to take the risk of traveling there at all.

Yeah I have friends in Montenegro at the moment & a whole load of too close for me! Especially as I thought it was Moldova to start with!

[lindsaywhit]

My poor daughter-in-law worries about her family in Tatarstan. Her father isn't getting paid - they are short on everything - it's a mess. Of course, they only know what they are fed by the Russian press. They barely discuss any of it out of fear.

[waterslide]

Aug 6, 2022 18:03:28 GMT lindsaywhit said:

My poor daughter-in-law worries about her family in Tatarstan. Her father isn't getting paid - they are short on everything - it's a mess. Of course, they only know what they are fed by the Russian press. They barely discuss any of it out of fear.

I would occasionally watch some "what it's like living in Russia" videos on youtube before the pandemic, but then everyone changed.  Some people moved.  Some people just stopped talking about it, though in the beginning, you would see punk kids on there saying what they thought.  I can't imagine the information blackout.  Hope your DIL's family is doing OK. 

As for Brittney Griner, it's not looking up for her, because now the US Ambassador to Insanity is stepping in to "help":

Dennis Rodman Is Traveling To Russian To Try To Help Brittney Griner
August 22, 2022 / Posted by: Ben75


Earlier this month, WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia after she pleaded guilty to drug charges she was hit with for accidentally bringing in cannabis cartridges into the country. The U.S. government is currently working on a prisoner swap deal with Russia. But in the meantime, Dennis Rodman is here to save the day. In a move towards becoming the new Liam Neeson, he is ready to risk life and limb to bring Brittney home safely, even though nobody asked him to take on the task. But Dennis is more than willing to help with negations since he has a pretty solid relationship with the Russians.

NBC News reports that Dennis is ready to slap an ‘S‘ on his chest and fly over to Russia (hopefully with extra masks) to use his influence to help bring Brittney back home. However, what he may not be aware of is there are already negotiations in play for a trade-off for Brittney and another American Paul Whelan in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. But honestly, I don’t think Dennis cares about any of that since he has a little bit of a reputation for sticking his nose into international affairs. He and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have known each other for many years and he also referred to Russian president Vladimir Putin as “cool“. Dennis dropped a quick, ominous quote during his interview with NBC News where he simply stated “I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl…”I’m trying to go this week.” However, a source within the Biden administration wishes he would stay out of it.

“It’s public information that the administration has made a significant offer to the Russians and anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder release efforts,” the official said.

And aside from Dennis’ involvement potentially making things worse it’s also being heavily advised that no one should be traveling to Russia right now.

“Do not travel to Russia,” the State Department advises, citing a litany of reasons, including the “unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” potential “harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials” and the possibility of “wrongful detention.”

Fast forward to some time next month when there’s a story about how Dennis is now being detained because he wore a dress or has one too many tattoos and piercings. Or perhaps that’s all a part of his master plan? Get Brittney out through the inside! Your secret’s safe with me Dennis.
Pic: INSTARImages

dlisted

[panic]

Aug 22, 2022 22:12:02 GMT waterslide said:

Fast forward to some time next month when there’s a story about how Dennis is now being detained because he wore a dress or has one too many tattoos and piercings.

That's what I thought. They could keep him too.

[waterslide]

^^^If only they would have taken him, but now he's not going at all. Oh well.

Dennis Rodman Will NOT Be Going To Russia To Help Brittney Griner After All
August 25, 2022 / Posted by: Ben32


I realize Dennis Rodman thought his influence on the international stage could help aid with the release of Brittney Griner in Russia, but that’s not happening. And not because he doesn’t have permission to enter the country, but mainly because the U.S. Government immediately told him to sit his ass down and let the professionals handle the work. And now, Dennis is forced to walk back all of his comments and have several seats, much like he should have done when he originally revealed his crusade.

ABC News reports that the US Government has no time for Dennis to undo all of the work they’ve set in place to get Brittney back home. And honestly, I was looking forward to Dennis sky diving off of the plane and landing at Brittney’s prison cell with nothing more than a nail file and pepper spray. It would have been the best MacGyver re-enactment ever, but Thanks to the U.S. Government we will not be able to witness this meme-worthy failure anytime soon.

A State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, told ABC News during a press briefing on Monday that if Rodman did travel to Russia, “He would not be traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.”

“We believe that anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder those release efforts,” Price added.

Price also added “We’ve also provided very clear guidance to American citizens — owing to a number of threats, not the least of which is the threat of wrongful detention — that Americans should not travel to Russia.” And now, with this in mind, Dennis admits he has no plans to go to Russia, but that was probably after the government told him to sit down and shut up. We already know what happened with Brittney so at this time Russia is a highly volatile destination that will lock you up if you blink too hard, especially if you’re from a nation where tensions with Russia are high. But as far as negotiations for Brittney’s return, they are still very much in play.

Asked about the status of the negotiations, Price said that U.S. interests are “best served if these discussions take place in private,” but stressed that this “something we continue to work with the utmost urgency.”

“I said last week that we had engaged in discussions with Russian counterparts on this. Those discussions are ongoing,” Price added. “We’ve made very clear, as we have publicly, that we proposed a substantial proposal, we called it, for the release of Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner.”

Hopefully Dennis will now hang up his superhero cape and go back to being the international party monster we’ve all come to know and love. Because if he tries to save Brittney and ends up getting detained then the question becomes ‘Who’s going to save Dennis??‘

Pic: INSTARImages

dlisted