Distraught, handcuffed and heading for the struggle of her life, WNBA star Brittney Griner was final seen Monday as she went to face trial in a Russian courtroom. As she walked previous information cameras, a reporter requested her how she was doing. The American simply shook her head.
The 2-time Olympic gold medallist and heart for the Phoenix Mercury was arrested at a Moscow airport on February 17, only one week earlier than Russia invaded Ukraine.
She has been charged with smuggling and transporting hashish after authorities discovered vape cartridges allegedly containing cannabis oil in her baggage.
Griner's spouse Cherelle informed the Reverend Al Sharpton on his radio present that she hasn't heard her voice since, however shared that Griner has conveyed to her via letters that she is "struggling and terrified."
"I will not allow them to break me," Griner stated within the letters, based on Cherelle. "I do know they're making an attempt to, however I will do my finest to simply maintain on till I can get residence."
"I hope that that is fast," stated Cherelle, "as a result of I am not okay."
Russia professional Jeff Hawn informed CBS Information that Russia is successfully holding Griner "hostage."
"It's extremely clear that they didn't have to carry the severity of costs as they did," he informed D'Agata. "They selected to do this with a purpose to seize the U.S. consideration and threaten her with the worst potential final result."
Russian media shops have speculated that Griner could possibly be used as a bargaining chip in a potential prisoner swap for infamous Russian arms supplier Viktor Bout. The so-called "Service provider of Demise" is at the moment serving a 25-year jail sentence within the U.S. for conspiracy to kill Individuals and aiding a terrorist group.
Supporters of Griner held a vigil exterior the Russian consulate in New York this week, praying that Moscow and Washington would possibly discover some settlement to carry Griner again residence.
Sentencing is just not anticipated when the trial will get again underway on Friday. If she is finally convicted, nonetheless, Griner may face 10 years in jail.
The prospects of an acquittal are grim: Russian prosecutors have a 99% success fee.