Just as the Biden administration is becoming more aggressive in prisoner trade negotiations with the Kremlin, Brittney Griner seems to be taking a similar approach to her legal defense.
Hoping for a lenient sentence, Griner and her attorneys have shown a newfound willingness to risk making waves by challenging evidence that Russian prosecutors present.Griner made a point of highlighting the alleged failure of Russian authorities to adhere to their country's rules
The focus of Tuesday’s hearing was the state’s examination of the cannabis oil in the two vape cartridges that Griner allegedly carried in her luggage when she flew into Moscow on Feb. 17. An expert witness summoned by the defense called into question the state’s measurement of how much of the banned substance was actually in those cartridges, testifying that the analysis was flawed and did not meet Russian legal standards.
Yahoo Sports asked a pair of experts whether Griner’s increasingly vigorous defense will help or hurt during sentencing. The responses indicate what Griner is up against: she is a defendant in a show trial meant to lend a veneer of legitimacy to Russia’s efforts to hold her until a trade can be made.
“Whatever is going to happen to her has already been decided at the highest levels,” said Salvo, the deputy director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and an expert on Russian foreign policy. “I don’t think what her defense team is doing is going to make things any worse because I don’t think they can markedly change the landscape.”. Her attorney, Maria Blagovolina, previously told Yahoo Sports that a verdict and sentencing are expected to occur by mid-August.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brittney Griner in Russian court for first time since proposed prisoner swap was revealedIn Tuesday's hearing, Griner's defense team argued that a state-appointed forensic expert made technical and procedural errors when examining the cannabis-infused vape cartridges found in her luggage.
Read more »
Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeAmerican basketball star Brittney Griner is back in court for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.
Read more »
Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeAmerican basketball star Brittney Griner is back in court for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.
Read more »
Brittney Griner: WNBA star back in Russian court on cannabis chargeWNBA star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.
Read more »
Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeIf convicted, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison.
Read more »