Brittney Griner's Sentencing In A Russian Court Explained

According to CBS News, Griner’s trial lasted six months, and NPR notes that she was facing 10 years in prison. However, Judge Anna Sotnikova of the Khimki city court said she took into account Griner’s guilty plea, her remorse, as well as her good deeds (per CNN). Before receiving her sentence, Griner apologized and asked the Russian court for leniency. She stated, “I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here,” Griner added. “I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t end my life here. I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that that is far from this courtroom.”

ABC News reports that she also apologized to her family and her Russian teammates. With news of her sentencing, Griner’s attorneys Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov noted that they were “very disappointed by the verdict.” They explained, “The court completely ignored all the evidence of the defense, and most importantly, the guilty plea.” President Biden has also condemned Griner’s verdict. He released a statement that described the nine-year sentence as “unacceptable.” Biden went on to say, “My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.” 

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