Brittney Griner, an American basketball star, pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court and faces up to ten years in jail, Reuters reported
"I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said in English which was translated into Russian for the court.
"I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare," she said.
The next court date was set for July 14.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, has been held in Russia since February 17. Russian investigators accused the athlete of possessing vape cartridges containing hashish oil and smuggling the narcotic material.
Griner's attorneys told Reuters reporter that they hoped for the most merciful sentence possible.
Also, the basketball player personally appealed to Biden earlier this week in a handwritten message to significantly boost US efforts to bring her home.
Picture Credits: Reuters
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