Brittney Griner Testifies She Didn’t Receive An Explanation Of Her Rights During Russian Arrest & Was Instructed To Sign Documents Without A Translator

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner Testifies She Didn’t Receive An Explanation Of Her Rights During Russian Arrest & Was Instructed To Sign Documents Without A Translator

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told a Russian court that officials did not explain to her what was happening when she was arrested for drug possession at a Moscow airport in February.

On Wednesday (July 27), Brittney Griner, 31, testified in a Russian courtroom as part of her ongoing trial on drug charges that Russian officials did not read any rights to her when she was arrested for possession of cannabis oil.

According to reports, the WNBA star said a translator at the airport told her where to go, but nobody explained to her what was happening, and she described the general translation services offered to her during her months-long detainment in Russia as “inadequate.” Brittney Griner testified:

“I remember one time there was a stack of papers that [the translator] needed to translate for me. He took a brief look and then said the exact words were, ‘Basically you are guilty.’”

During her testimony, the star athlete informed the court via a translator that she was aware of Russia’s drug laws and said she still does not “understand how they ended up in her bag.” Griner added that she was stressed and rushed while packing and was recovering from a then-recent COVID-19 diagnosis that required her to take a test before getting on a plane. She reiterated:

“I had no intention to break the law.”

Brittney Griner

The Phoenix Mercury center also stated that she had used cannabis oil for medicinal purposes in the United States to treat a bad knee injury sustained during her basketball career. She testified that she used medical marijuana when her knee and ankle joint were inflamed, but she never used it prior to tournaments because of the risk it would lead to disqualification.

Brittney Griner

As previously reported, Griner has been detained in Russia since February after authorities said they found cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance. She faces up to 10 years in prison. Griner’s trial in Russia began July 1. On July 7, the two-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to possessing vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in February.

Brittney Griner

According to sources, Griner’s lawyers previously stated they expect the trial to last until the beginning of August, when Griner will be sentenced. However, it remains unclear exactly how long the trial will last. A Russian court has authorized Griner’s detention to continue until December 20.

Today (July 27) reports broke that the Biden administration offered a convicted Russian arms dealer in exchange for Brittney Griner & another American, Paul Whelan, being detained by the foreign country

We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to Brittney Griner and her family. What are your thoughts on this? Comment below & let us know. 

[Sources: 1, 2]