Brittney Griner Testifies In Russian Court: Says she still doesn’t know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag & was never read her rights when she was detained
This Wednesday morning, WNBA player Brittney Griner testified in Russian court at her drug trial. Griner, who arrived at the Khimki regional court near Moscow in handcuffs, testified that when she was stopped at the Sheremetyevo airport on February 17, and was made to sign different documents without fully understanding what they included. Griner said she was not read her rights at the time. “It wasn’t explained, anything,” Griner said, according to APTN audio of her testimony. “It was just sign here, sign there, surname, nothing was explained.”
“I had no intention to break the law.” She added that she was “rushed packing and stressed packing… I was in a huge hurry.”
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During her testimony, the athlete recalled the long 13-hour flight to Moscow from Arizona while recovering from COVID-19. Griner also said she still does not know how the cannabis oil for which she had a doctor’s recommendation ended up in her bag. However, she explained she may have packed in haste while under severe stress.
Earlier this month, Griner pleaded guilty earlier this month to the drug charges in Russia. At the time, he lawyer told a Russian court that doctors in the U.S. prescribed Griner medical cannabis two years ago for chronic pain.
RELATED: Brittney Griner Has Pleaded Guilty To Drug Charges In A Russian Court
As we previously reported, Griner, who
went to Russia to play for a Russian team in the WNBA’s off-season, was arrested at a Moscow airport back in February. She admitted in court earlier this month that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil when she arrived in Russia but maintains that she had absolutely no criminal intent.
Griner is looking at up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs. Her trial started July 1. As of right now, it is unclear how long the trial will last, but a court has authorized Griner’s detention until Dec. 20.
More On Brittney Griner’s Case And What The US Is Doing About It
Griner’s wife Cherelle previously told CBS News that she was disheartened that she still hadn’t heard from President Biden directly. However, the White House later announced that both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had spoken with Cherelle, and reassured her that they are working to free Griner and other U.S. nationals being held in Russia and around the world.