The saga of WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner and her arrest in Russia seems to have taken a new step. After being detained for over 160 days, Griner’s case seems to have officially been given a verdict. The Russian court found her guilty and sentenced her to 9 years in jail.

Griner, who was arrested in February, was waiting for her verdict. The court found her guilty of smuggling drugs with criminal intent and the prosecutors asked for the maximum punishment, despite Griner asking for leniency. She delivered an emotional speech before the court, admitting it was an honest mistake on her part.

She said, “I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here, I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t end my life here”

But the prosecutors argued it was deliberate and asked for nine and half years as her punishment.

Brittney Griner sentenced to nine years in prison

This verdict comes after the US government offered an unprecedented prisoner exchange with Russia. They have offered to release a notorious Russian arms trafficker in exchange for Griner and another US citizen in Russian custody.

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While the talks have been slow, the Secretary of State has given assurance that he will take this up. This comes after getting the green light from US President Joe Biden.

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And despite this, the case continued as planned and Griner was announced guilty. She was also fined a certain amount, and she has the ability to appeal. The United States will definitely push for her release harder now, but the Russian authorities seem to be in no hurry.

However, this verdict may give some hope for her, as she is classified as a prisoner, and the exchange may be easier. Talks have begun already and the Russians have made a counteroffer. Their offer may seem a push, but this is far better than a few months ago when there was no communication.

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Griner may be sentenced, but her government is doing everything in its power to get her back.