The defence team of US basketball star Brittney Griner has appealed against her conviction for drug possession and trafficking in Russia.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison on August 4 in a trial that President Joe Biden called “unacceptable”.
The nine-year sentence was close to the maximum of 10 years. After the conviction, lawyers Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boikov called the sentencing excessive, arguing people in similar cases had received more lenient punishments.
Monday was the deadline for Griner to contest the verdict. Ms Blagovolina told Reuters an appeal had been filed but did not elaborate.
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February after authorities found vape oil cartridges containing cannabis in her luggage.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist pleaded guilty to the drug charges but said she had no intention of breaking Russian law, saying that she had accidentally placed the cartridges in her suitcase while hastily packing.
“I made an honest mistake and I hope in your ruling, it does not end my life,” she said.
It was not known how soon an appeal could be heard.
“We demand to overturn the verdict passed by the Khimki court and impose a new sentence,” Mr Boikov told Reuters.
Griner's arrest on February 17 came amid high tensions between Washington and Moscow over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia denies that Griner's case was politically motivated, and warned the White House that any discussions over a possible prisoner swap must be negotiated in private.
The White House said it has offered Moscow a “substantial proposal” to secure her release, as well as that of Paul Whelan, a former US marine serving a 16-year prison sentence. US media outlets reported that Washington has offered to free Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year sentence for conspiring to kill Americans.
A Russian diplomat on Sunday told the country's news agency that discussions about an exchange have been held.
-
Phoenix Mercury centre Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky. AP -
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil. AFP -
Griner leaving a courtroom after a hearing in May. The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the US’s most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. AP -
Griner asked US President Joe Biden to free her from a Russian prison in a handwritten letter on July 4, 2022, portions of which were made public by her family. AFP -
Grineris escorted before a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia on July 1, 2022. Reuters -
The US stepped up its push in March for consular access to Griner, who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling. AP -
Griner at the White House alongside teammates. Photo: US National Archives -
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with fans. Getty Images North America / AFP -
A man holds a sign for Brittney Griner Home during the first half of the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. EPA -
Griner, a player of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury team was arrested in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after some hash oil was detected and found in her luggage, for which she now could face a prison sentence of up to ten years. EPA -
Fans hold signs Griner during the first half of the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. EPA -
A sign for Griner is displayed during a game between Portland Thorns FC and Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images / AFP -
The Khimki City Court reportedly had extended Greiner's detention for the duration of her trial on charges of drug smuggling that started on 01 July. EPA -
Griner gestures during a game against Australia at Saitama Super Arena in their Tokyo 2020 Olympic women's basketball quarterfinal game in Saitama, Japan August 4, 2021. Reuters -
Dallas Wings' Marina Mabrey wears shoes that have a "BG" logo on them, a reference to Brittney Griner, during the second half of the team's WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. AP -
"We Are BG 42" is displayed on the exterior of Footprint Center before the WNBA game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx on June 21, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images / AFP -
Minnesota Lynx's Aerial Powers wears a shirt in support of Griner during introductions for the team's WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm. Star Tribune / AP -
Griner poses with her gold medal in Women's Basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, August 8, 2021. Reuters -
Brittney Griner with teammates Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins posing for pictures with their gold medals on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's basketball competition of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. AFP
“This quite sensitive issue of the swap of convicted Russian and US citizens is being discussed through the channels defined by our presidents,” said Alexander Darchiev, head of the foreign ministry’s North America department.
“These individuals are, indeed, being discussed. The Russian side has long been seeking the release of Viktor Bout. The details should be left to professionals.”
Agencies contributed to this report
