International: US basketball player Brittney Griner sentenced to nine years in Russian prison

9:24 am on Friday 5 August 2022

By Christina Huang

WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) player Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a Russian court on drug charges.

Griner pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis oil but said it was an honest mistake.

The court convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics and handed down nearly the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.

US President Joe Biden has called the sentence "unacceptable." 

Griner may still have a chance at freedom, with a potential prisoner swap between the US and Russia on the cards.

Her defence team says they will appeal the verdict.

Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air.