BREAKING NEWS: Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty on Thursday to bringing hashish oil into Russia, telling a judge that she had done so 'inadvertently' while asking the court for mercy, ESPN reported.
MOSCOW -- WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty on Thursday morning to drug charges in a Russian court, saying that the vape cartridges containing hashish oil were in her luggage unintentionally.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was visiting Russia to play basketball in the off-season when she was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport on Feb. 17 after being accused of having vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in the country. "The president called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney's release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world," the White House said in a statement released Wednesday.
The first witness at Griner's trial last Friday was a customs officer who was at the airport when she was arrested. A second unidentified witness was also questioned by prosecutors behind closed doors, according to The Associated Press. Meanwhile, two others failed to appear, so the trial was adjourned for the day.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine began one week after Griner was detained. Some officials are concerned that Americans jailed in Russia could be used as leverage in the ongoing conflict.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden and Harris speak with Cherelle Griner, wife of detained WNBA star Brittney GrinerPhoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February.
Read more »
WNBA star Brittney Griner arrives at Russian court for trial on drug chargesJailed American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to a Russian court Thursday to face her trial on drug charges.
Read more »
WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russia, tells court she brought marijuana into country accidentallyBREAKING: WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to bringing marijuana into Russia, saying it was an accident.
Read more »
WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russian courtGriner, 31, could face up to 10 years in prison on drug smuggling charges under Russian law.
Read more »
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Detained in Russia: Everything to KnowLeBron James joined the chorus of athletes advocating for WNBA star Brittney Griner's release from Russian detention — everything to know
Read more »
WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in RussiaUS basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession and smuggling charges in a Moscow court on Thursday, according to Russian media sources.
Read more »