Many loved ones and supporters of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner have spoken up about her situation and called for her release since she was first detained in Russia on drug charges in February.
As her trial has unfolded over the past month, U.S.-based advocates have ramped up public pressure on the Biden administration to bring her home, while members of the Russian team she plays for in the off-season have testified in defense of her character both on and off the court.
Griner herself hasn’t made many public remarks, beyond issuing a brief guilty plea in which she admitted to bringing cannabis into Russia — where it’s illegal for both medical and recreational purposes — and emphasizing that she packed her bags in a hurry and had no intention of breaking any laws. She could face up to 10 years if convicted.
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