Brittney Griner appeals drug conviction as Russia, U.S. talk prisoner swap

WNBA star Brittney Griner's defense team has filed an appeal against her drug conviction as Russia and the United States discuss a potential prisoner swap.

WNBA star Brittney Griner's defense team has filed an appeal against her conviction on drug charges in Russia, nearly two weeks after she was sentenced to nine years in jail by a Moscow court.

Her lawyer Maria Blagovolina said Monday the defense team had filed the appeal, in a statement via the Telegram messaging app. The move, which was widely expected, comes as Russia and the United States discuss a potential prisoner swap that would secure Griner's release.

The American basketball player was arrested at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 after authorities said they found cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her luggage.

Griner, 31, pleaded guilty to the charges, but said she made an "honest mistake" in entering Russia with cannabis oil, which is illegal in the country, after she had hurriedly packed for her flight.

She was sentenced on Aug. 4 to 9 years in Russian prison after being found guilty of drug possession and smuggling, after making an emotional final plea for leniency.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/brittney-griner-appeals-russian-drug-conviction-rcna43069

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