WNBA star Brittney Griner assured a Russian court that she had no intention of smuggling drugs into Russia on Wednesday as part of her ongoing drug-related case.
Griner said: "I still don't understand to this day how they ended up in my bags."
Since February, per CNN, the basketball star has been in detention in Russia when officials claimed to have discovered cannabis oil in her suitcase at a Moscow airport and charged her with smuggling substantial quantities of a narcotic drug.
Griner, who competes in Russia during the WNBA offseason, may spend up to 10 years behind bars.
She pleaded guilty earlier this month, and the defense expects the judge would consider that while determining the appropriate sentence.
The US State Department has ruled that Griner's detention is unlawful, and her supporters have called for her freedom out of fear that she would be exploited as a pawn in a game of politics amid Russia's war with Ukraine.
Brittney Griner Claims She Was Forced To Sign Documents
Griner on Wednesday told the Khimki regional court near Moscow that when she was stopped at the Sheremetyevo airport on February 17, she was forced to sign various forms without fully comprehending what they comprised.
At first, according to Griner, she signed some papers but barely understood the texts, and she was using Google Translate on her phone. Then, she got transferred to a different room where her phone was taken away and she was forced to sign more paperwork without being given a reason.
Griner stated that no lawyer was present and that she was not given a read-out of her rights at the time.
According to a source close to Griner, she decided to admit guilt on her own. Considering the claimed 99% conviction rate in criminal cases in Russia, Griner, her family, lawyers, and experts had been debating the decision for weeks.
Griner was advised to consider all the options, including a plea deal that would ultimately result in a less term.
US Embassy Chargé d'affaires Elizabeth Rood attended Wednesday's hearing, the sixth in the case.
According to Griner's lawyers, the trial is slated to finish early next month.
Charles Barkley Supports Griner
Meanwhile, basketball legend Charles Barkley is offering Brittney Griner his support as her detention in Russia nears 160 days.
Barkley,59, told People that Griner's is in "a really unfortunate situation."
"We hope she comes home soon. It's really sad and unfortunate," the former NBA MVP said.
Barkley, a member of the original Dream Team, understands why everyone, including Griner's wife Cherelle and US President Joe Biden, has pleaded tirelessly to bring the two-time Olympic gold medalist back home.
"It really just shows you, America is by far and away, the greatest place in the world to be. Listen, it's not perfect here. It's not perfect at all. We've got a lot of work to do, but this is by far and away, the greatest place in the world to live," Sir Charles said.
The legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in several US states has no impact on Russian policy, according to a representative for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Last week, as reported by ESPN, American soccer athlete Megan Rapinoe said that Griner "is certainly being kept as a political prisoner."
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