Conviction of Brittney Griner in Russia: a case that goes beyond the realm of sport

Thursday, August 4, Brittney grinningan American basketball player with an impressive track record, has summer condemned to nine years in prison in Russia for drug possession and trafficking. Thursday August 25, the journalist Samuel Ollivier, present on the set from 8 Hours, looks back on this case: “The facts date back to last February. The date is important because it is just before the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine.”

When she arrived at Moscow airport (Russia) to join his basketball clubYekaterinburg (Russia)the customs officers, at the time of the check, found a cannabis-based vaporizer liquid on her. “She says it’s therapeutic, it often happens to treat chronic pain, except that the Russians don’t believe her”continues the journalist.

The basketball player appealed the decision, and her case became a diplomatic issue between the United States and Russia. An exchange of prisoners could take place between the two countries: Brittney grinning would be freed, against Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States.