Brittney Griner's Conviction, Is Upheld in Russian Court.
Brittney Griner's Conviction, Is Upheld in Russian Court.
Griner appeared in a Russian court via video feed to hear its decision on Oct. 25.
The ruling means that the WNBA star's nine-year sentence in a Russian penal colony for drug charges is upheld.
Griner's conviction in August sparked outrage in the U.S. and prompted diplomacy efforts for her release through a possible prisoner swap.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan referred to the ruling as "another sham judicial proceeding.".
President [Joe] Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately, Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, NBC News.
[The Biden administration has] continued to engage with Russia through every available channel and make every effort to bring home Brittney .., Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, NBC News.
... as well as to support and advocate for other Americans detained in Russia, including fellow wrongful detainee
Paul Whelan, Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, NBC News.
Griner's attorneys expressed their dismay following the ruling.
We are very disappointed.
We still think the punishment
is excessive, Attorneys for Brittney Griner, Statement, NBC News.
She had hopes for today as each month, each day away from her family and friends matters
to her, Attorneys for Brittney Griner, Statement, NBC News.
They stated that Griner fears that a prisoner swap may never happen. .
Reports state that she appeared dejected during the Oct. 25 hearing, even before the ruling had been read.
Griner's attorneys pledged to use “all the available legal tools, especially given the harsh and unprecedented nature of her verdict.”.
One of her attorneys stated that the WNBA star had been “quite pessimistic about the outcome” in the lead-up to the hearing of the appeal