According to Interfax news agency, the court refused to reduce the prison sentence on Tuesday. After a recalculation of the pre-trial detention, which counts towards the sentence, Griner must remain in jail for about eight years. The verdict is therefore final. Griner could be transferred to a correctional facility in the near future, where she would have to serve her sentence.
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February with a small amount of hashish and convicted by a court in the Russian capital in early August. Internationally, the ruling sparked a wave of solidarity with the athlete.
Griner’s lawyers argued before the appeals court that given the small amount of hashish found, the verdict was harsh and unfair. In her closing statement, Griner again pleaded guilty, but also pointed out that her sentence in such cases was more severe than the usual punishment in Russia.
Upon arrival at Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, so-called vape cartridges and hash oil were found on Griner’s premises. It is said to have been 0.5 grams. This was ruled as illegal drug possession and attempted smuggling. The US government is working hard to secure their release.
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
