Brittney Griner appeal – live: WNBA star apologies to Russia court in last-ditch attempt to avoid penal colony

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

American basketball star Brittney Griner urged Russian appeal judges to reduce her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession as she appeared via video link from a detention centre outside Moscow.

In her final statement, she emphasised how mentally taxing her eight-month detention and two trials had been, adding: “I was barely over the significant amount [of cannabis oil] ... People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given.”

“I did not intend to do this,” she closed, before asking the court to take into account the fact that she had pleaded guilty.

Ms Griner’s defence team began the hearing by arguing that the expert who analysed the cartridges that led to her arrest was “unqualified” and asked that her “excessively harsh” sentence be reduced, NBC News reported.

“Given the lack of intent and given Griner’s contribution to Russian sports, the Defense considers the punishment ‘excessively harsh’,” tweeted Molly Hunter with NBC News before adding that they’d requested to hand down a new sentence.

The Phoenix Mercury star, who had played for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2014 during the WNBA offseason, was detained on 17 February at Moscow airport, shortly before Russia launched its invasion in Ukraine.

Key Points

  • Brittney Griner apologises for ‘mistake’ at appeal hearing

  • Griner’s defense debates pre-detention time served, argues for reduced sentence

  • Griner pictured as she awaits delayed appeal hearing

  • Griner appeal hearing start delayed

  • What happened to WNBA star Brittney Griner and why is she detained in Russia?

Brittney Griner apologises for ‘mistake’ at appeal hearing, adds she ‘did not intend to do this'

13:04 , Johanna Chisholm

After her defence delivered a statement and asked for an acquittal or at least reduction in the nine-year prison sentence, Brittney Griner made a statement at her appeal, which was relayed to the Russian courtroom via a video feed as the WNBA star watched the proceeding from a cell.

“This has been a very traumatic experience, waiting for this day, waiting for the first court day and getting nine years,” began the imprisoned 32-year-old via video feed, noting that people with more severe crimes had received considerably less harsh sentences.

She asked that the court reconsider her case and take everything into account that her defence team had earlier laid out.

“I apologise for the mistake, I did not intend to do this,” Ms Griner said, adding that she hopes that court adjusts her sentence and also hopes that they take into account that she pleaded guilty to the offence.

Griner’s lawyers ask for acquittal or reduction in ‘cruel’ sentence

12:55 , Johanna Chisholm

Brittney Griner’s lawyers asked the Russian courtroom where the WNBA star’s appeal was being heard for an acquittal or a reduction in the “cruel” nine-year sentence she received last August.

“The Defense team officially asks for an acquittal or reduced sentence,” tweeted NBC reporter Molly Hunter, who noted that the statement, all in Russian, was now being translated to Ms Griner, who had tuned in to the proceedings via a grainy video link.

Lawyers argue Griner’s sentence ‘excessively harsh'

12:35 , Johanna Chisholm

Brittney Griner’s defence team pushed back against the nine-year sentence that was handed down to the WNBA star this past summer, insisting that it was “excessive”.

“The punishment imposed on Griner does not correspond to the gravity of the crime,” Maria Blagovolina, one of Ms Griner’s lawyers, said on Tuesday in the Russian courtroom. “Nine years in prison is a sentence that contradicts judicial practice.”

“There was no intent in her actions ... The substance was used for medical purposes.”

Griner’s lawyers: Sentence doesn’t align with international or Russian legal norms

12:33 , Johanna Chisholm

One of Brittney Griner’s lawyers, Alexander Boykov, argued while making an emotional and reportedly “personal” address to the court that the nine-year sentence that was handed down to the WNBA star in August not only doesn’t align with international law, but breaks from Russian “legal norms”.

“Defense lawyer Alexander Boykov speaking now, sounds emotional and personal, according to our reporter in court,” tweeted NBA reporter Molly Hunter. “Says he deeply sympathizes with Griner and argues that not only does the verdict not line up with int’l legal norms -- it’s also outside of Russian legal norms.”

Griner’s defense debates pre-detention time served

12:14 , Johanna Chisholm

As Brittney Griner reportedly vented her frustration about being unable to hear people in the courtroom as she appeared via a video link, asking them to speak louder, her defence team argued that the expert who analysed the cartridges that led to her arrest was “unqualified” and that there were procedural violations throughout the investigation and detention, NBC News reported.

“Defense team now arguing: Given the lack of intent and given Griner’s contribution to Russian sports, the Defense considers the punishment “excessively harsh.” Defense team asks to cancel the current sentence of nearly 9 years and hand down a new sentence,” tweeted Molly Hunter with NBC News.

The foreign correspondent added that there was some confusion about pre-detention time served and how that time would be counted towards Ms Griner’s sentence.

“There’s debate over the exact length of sentencing - does 1 pre-detention day equal 1 full sentence day?” tweeted Ms Hunter. “No, apparently. Her 8 months of pre-detention counts for 12 months of her sentence. So everyone agrees the current sentence means she has 8 YEARS remaining.”

Griner appears ‘depleted’ while appearing via video in court

12:05 , Johanna Chisholm

NBC reporter Molly Hunter shared a picture from the news outlet’s correspondent based in Moscow, who is attending the appeal hearing for WNBA star Brittney Griner on Tuesday.

“Our reporter in court, who has a closer view of Brittney Griner’s screen, says she’s looks particularly depleted today. Sad, tired. (Understandably.)” tweeted Ms Hunter, while sharing a picture of Ms Griner’s screen from inside the Russian courtroom.

Russian court begins hearing Griner appeal

11:34 , Johanna Chisholm

A Russian court began hearing an appeal by US WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner on Tuesday against her conviction and nine-year jail sentence for possession and smuggling of drugs. The court session began after a nearly two-hour adjournment requested by her lawyers.

Three judges were presiding over the appeals court in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, while Griner was taking part via video link from a detention centre in the town of Novoye Grishino, just outside Moscow.

Elizabeth Rood, the US chargee d'affaires in Moscow, was present at Tuesday's appeal hearing.

Brittany Griner could be moved to infamous penal colony if US is not able to secure her return

11:00 , Shweta Sharma

Brittany Griner will be transferred to a Russian penal colony if the court upholds her nine-year prison sentence today, and the US is unsuccessful in striking a deal for a prisoner swap.

Her lawyers said if the Khimki city court’s decision is upheld, the “legal process will be basically over”.

The US State Department has said that Griner is “wrongfully detained” and the Biden administration said it is negotiating a deal with Russia to free the WNBA star.

Her wife Cherelle Griner has expressed fears over the possibility, saying: “My brain can’t even fathom it,” in an interview to CBS.

Russia’s prison colony network has at least 650 penal institutions that are barrack and dorm-style detention camps - and have the reputation of being some of the worst detention camps in the world.

The inhabitants carry out hard labour once they reach there by a train journey that can last more than a month, and communication with the prisoner is almost invariably unstable.

A report by the US Department of State found that overcrowding, poor sanitation and heating, and food shortages are some of the major problems at the camps along with reports of systemic abuses, such as torture and sexual violence.

Griner pictured as she awaits delayed appeal hearing

10:47 , Shweta Sharma

Brittney Griner is taking part in the session held at the Moscow Regional Court via video call from a detention centre where she is held.

She was pictured caged in her prison cell in the first images of her during the hearing.

The hearing was adjourned by two hours following Griner’s lawyers' request (REUTERS)
The hearing was adjourned by two hours following Griner’s lawyers' request (REUTERS)
US basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony in August for drug smuggling, is seen on a screen via a video link from a remand prison before a court hearing (AFP via Getty Images)
US basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony in August for drug smuggling, is seen on a screen via a video link from a remand prison before a court hearing (AFP via Getty Images)

Griner appeal hearing start delayed

10:36 , Shweta Sharma

A court in Russia has delayed the start of Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.

The hearing was scheduled to begin at 1pm local time (6am EST), but has been pushed back by two hours following a request from Griner’s lawyers.

Her lawyers, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, requested the delay as they had been held up getting to the court.

The hearing will now begin at 3pm local time (8am EST).

Three most likely outcomes from today’s hearing

09:45 , Shweta Sharma

After Brittney Griner’s lawyers present their arguments in court today for her to receive a reduced sentence, her team are anticipating three possible outcomes.

Alexander Boykov of the Moscow Legal Center and Maria Blagovolina, a partner at the Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners law firm, said the first outcome could be that the court does not change the original verdict. In that case, her sentence of nine years in a Russian penal colony would stand.

In a second possible outcome, the court could decide to overrule the sentence and send it back to the lower court for reconsideration.

Alternatively, the appeals court can unilaterally decide to reduce Griner’s prison term without referring the matter back to the original court that sentenced her.

Brittney Griner at ‘weakest moment’ in Russia, her wife said

09:00 , Shweta Sharma

Brittney Griner is at her “absolute weakest moment in life right now”, Griner’s wife said in an interview earlier this month.

Cherelle Griner told CBS News programme “This Morning” that her wife, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who was playing in Russia during the WNBA off-season, is afraid of being forgotten by the US.

“She’s very afraid about being left and forgotten in Russia, or just completely used to the point of her detriment,” Cherelle Griner said.

She said Brittney Griner told her in a phone call that she felt “like my life just doesn’t matter”.

“Like, y’all just don’t see the need to get me back home? Am I nothing?” Cherelle Griner quoted her wife as saying. It wasn’t clear when the call took place, though CBS aired its programme on 6 October.

 (AP)
(AP)

What outcomes are expected from Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing

07:45 , Shweta Sharma

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been locked up in Moscow for eight months and may face years of further incarceration if an upcoming appeal does not sway the Russian courts.

Griner is planning to appeal the nine-year prison sentence she was ordered to serve after a Russian court convicted her of smuggling and possessing prohibited substances.

The nine-year sentence was just shy of the 10-year maximum penalty for the crime, which Griner’s lawyers called “excessive.”

Her lawyers pointed out that the average sentence in cases like hers tend to be around five years, and about a third of the convicts serving time for those crimes are granted parole, according to ESPN.

Read Graig Graziosi’s report.

When is Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing and what does it mean for WNBA star?

Griner says she does not expect any miracles but hopes for a reduced term

07:00 , Shweta Sharma

Ahead of her appeal in a Moscow court, the US basketball star has said that she does not have very high hopes on the outcome but hopes that the court will hear her defence arguments.

Griner is seeking a reduced term after she was sentenced to nine years in jail in a drug smuggling case.

“She is very nervous waiting for the appeal hearing,” her lawyers said in a statement.

“Brittney does not expect any miracles to happen but hopes that the appeal court will hear the arguments of the defence and reduce the term.”

What happened to WNBA star Brittney Griner and why is she detained in Russia?

06:15 , Shweta Sharma

WNBA star Brittney Griner, 31, has been detained in Russia since February after illegal cannibas oil was allegedly found in her luggage by officials at a Moscow airport.

Her detention occurred shortly before Russia launched its war in Ukraine, with geopolitical tensions making it undoubtedly more difficult to secure her release.

Ms Griner’s family, friends and fans – alongside many public figures – have been calling on Russia to free her for months and for the US State Department to intervene.

Read The Independent’s detailed report.

Why is WNBA star Brittney Griner detained in Russia?

Brittney Griner to appear through video link at today’s hearing

05:27 , Shweta Sharma

Brittney Griner will appear in today’s hearing by video link from the detention centre where she is being held, her lawyers Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said.

The US Olympian will have her appeal against a nine-year prison sentence for drug possession heard.

Her lawyers are expecting a verdict the same day.

05:00 , Shweta Sharma

Welcome to our live coverage of Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing in a Russian court for Tuesday 25 October 2022.