KHIMKI (Moscow Region), Jul 7 Deputy Head of the American Embassy in Moscow Elizabeth Rude stated that she handed over a letter from US President Joe Biden to basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Russia. «I managed to talk to Griner in the courtroom, she said that she was fine. She has the opportunity to read books. everything is in order. The most important thing is that I managed to get Greiner a letter from President Biden,» Rude told reporters. She also expressed the US government's intention to «return home all American citizens who are in custody.» During a court hearing on Thursday, Greiner pleaded guilty to smuggling drugs, the basketball player noted that she «did not have criminal intent, as she was going in a hurry.» The court postponed the hearing until July 14.
In February, Griner, who arrived on a flight from New York, was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport. Inspection of hand luggage revealed that the American woman had «vapes» with a liquid with a specific smell. An examination determined that the liquid was hashish oil. A criminal case was initiated on drug smuggling, she was arrested. The sanction of the article provides for from 5 to 10 years in prison.
Greiner is one of the most titled basketball players in the world. She was a two-time Olympian and two-time world champion with Team USA and the 2014 WNBA Champion with Phoenix. The center is included in the official list of the 25 best players in the women's NBA. He has been playing for the Yekaterinburg UMMC since 2015.