It has been over 225 days since WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury center flew to Moscow Airport to be a part of the Russian women’s basketball league?during WNBA’s offseason. However, the eight-time All-Star was detained after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.

After months of detainment, the Russian Court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison, following her guilty plea. Fortunately, some good news could come Griner’s way in a matter of 20 days.

Brittney Griner‘s lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, filed for an appeal against her nine-year sentence. On October 3, a Russian court set the date for the WNBA star’s appeal on October 25. Griner admitted to carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. However, she claimed to have packed the cartridges unknowingly, and that she did not have any criminal intent. Her lawyer also claimed that Griner was prescribed cannabis oil by her doctor for treating pain.

Further, Blagovolina advocated that the nine-year sentence by the Russian court was excessive. He also pointed out that in similar cases, the defendants received a five-year sentence on average, and around a third of them were granted parole.

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Following the verdict, Griner’s lawyer filed an appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for possession charges. Fortunately, the court has accepted Griner’s appeal and granted a date for the hearing, which will be held in about 20 days. It is quite positive news for Griner and her family, who have been away from each other for over 225 days.?

American Authorities trying to bring Brittney Griner home

The American authorities proposed a prisoner exchange for Griner and US Marine Paul Whelan before the Russian Court sentenced her in July. The Joe Biden Administration offered to release Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Griner and Whelan. Bout is currently serving a 25-year sentence in the US.

Unfortunately, the Russian government has not responded to America’s offer yet. The Russian diplomats refrained from making any comments regarding the proposal. They requested the US government to deal with the issue confidentially.?

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Moreover, President Joe Biden met with Griner’s wife Cherelle, and her manager, Lindsay Colas. The President also met Whelan’s sister Elizabeth Whelan. Biden assured the two families that he was working through all the available options to bring Griner and Whelan home.?