EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA/Reuters
WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been in Russian custody for greater than 4 months, pleaded responsible on Thursday to drug expenses that carry a possible 10-year jail sentence, based on a Reuters reporter within the courtroom.
Griner was detained in February on the Moscow airport for allegedly carrying hashish oil vape cartridges in her suitcase.
Talking by means of an interpreter in court docket, Griner mentioned, “I’d wish to plead responsible, your honour. However there was no intent. I didn’t need to break the legislation.” She additionally requested to provide testimony at a later date as a result of she “want[s] time to arrange.”
Her subsequent court docket listening to is scheduled for July 14.
The Olympian’s responsible plea comes as strain has been mounting on President Joe Biden to convey her house. On Thursday, Elizabeth Rood, the deputy chief of mission on the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, delivered a letter from Biden to Griner in court docket.
“I used to be in a position to communicate to Ms. Griner within the courtroom,” she instructed reporters outdoors court docket. “She mentioned that she is consuming properly. She is ready to learn books. Below the circumstances, she is doing properly.”