Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russia to drug trafficking charges

Brittney Griner, a basketball star arrested in Russia, has pleaded guilty in her trial for drug smuggling. The hearing ended and the American athlete, who is also an Olympic medal winner, left the Khimki court without commenting to the press.

A few days ago the U.S. State Department called her detention unjust. This Wednesday, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke via telephone with Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner. The Olympic champion has been playing in Russia during the WNBA off-season for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2014.

Arrested before the war in Ukraine

Griner was arrested on February 17 at a Moscow airport, just a week before Russia carried out its invasion of Ukraine. It was reported to international media that she was allegedly carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. She was accused of smuggling the narcotic substance. She finally admitted the facts on Thursday, but assured that she had no intention to commit a crime.

According to the Russian Information Agency Novosti (RIA), Griner told the court that she had no intention of carrying hashish oil in her luggage. She claims that it was all due to a mistake because she "packed in a hurry."

A few days ago the athlete wrote a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to "please do everything you can to bring us home...I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you." Although the president allegedly told Grinner's wife that he was working to win the medalist's freedom, the recent guilty plea could complicate his promise.