Why Did Brittney Griner Go to Russia? The well-known basketball player Brittney Griner was taken into custody by Russian authorities. The American basketball player who had won two gold medals at the Olympics was detained, according to a statement released by the Russian Federal Customs Service.
A Russian news agency later identified that player as Griner, and the WNBA and Griner’s team, the Phoenix Mercury, confirmed that Griner is being held in custody. The reason for her move to Russia is detailed below:
Why Did Brittney Griner Go to Russia?
Hashish oil was found in vape cartridges during a search of Griner’s luggage, according to Russian authorities, who then detained her. Since hashish oil is prohibited in Russia, Griner is under investigation for allegedly “smuggling” narcotics.
It is said that she could spend up to ten years in a Russian prison. As she has been doing since 2016, Griner traveled to Russia to perform for UMMC Ekaterinburg. It is said that a major company supports the team.
Griner is a seven-time WNBA All-Star center for the Phoenix Mercury when playing at home. But to increase her income, Griner, like many other WNBA players, moves abroad during the league’s off-season.
Griner has been playing in Russia for almost ten years, much like many other WNBA stars hoping for a big payday.
Griner, who turned 32 last month, admitted guilt to the drug charges but claimed in court that she had packed the cartridges incorrectly and that “there was no intent.”
Even in light of Russia’s strict drug laws, experts have stated that the nine-year sentence she received is exceptionally harsh.
After her custody earlier that year, she departed a detention facility in the Moscow region on November 4 and is en route to a penal colony, according to her legal team.
What is a Russian Prison Colony Life Like?
These prisoners, who are frequently found in isolated areas of Russia, usually work long hours for little money.
The Centre for Eastern Studies reports that the majority of prison colonies have problems with heating and running water.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in a penitentiary colony following her conviction in early August.
Her transfer to a correctional colony was anticipated to occur within weeks after she lost her appeal last month, which was a predicted but necessary step in the process of potentially negotiating her release.
Speaking candidly, former inmates describe harshly cold and uncomfortable conditions, plank-like beds, prolonged periods of isolation for ostensibly minor offenses, a lack of regular medical care, and extremely restricted contact with the outside world.
Final Thought
The American Olympic and WNBA player Brittney Griner is headed to a Russian prison colony, where she will likely serve a nine-year sentence unless the United States can arrange for her release. This is just the beginning of Griner’s nightmare in Russia.
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