A Russian court on Thursday sentenced American basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drugs charges, after finding her guilty of narcotics possession and smuggling for bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia.
She was also fined 1 million roubles ($16,000).
After the sentencing, Griner appeared sad and stony-faced and said she understood the sentence. Her defense team said they will appeal the ruling.
A Russian state prosecutor urged the judge to sentence Griner to 9.5 years in jail.
President Joe Biden, whose administration has been trying to get Griner released by the Russian regime, said that the sentence is “unacceptable.”
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” he said in a statement….