Donald Trump has claimed that he will use his “great” relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure the release of imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said, “Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who Russia is holding, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. He will be Home, Safe, And With His Family.”
Gershkovich was arrested in Russia in March last year on spying charges. He has spent more than a year in a Moscow prison, with no date set for a trial. The Biden administration and the Wall Street Journal strongly deny the spying charges. U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy has visited the journalist in detention and reported that he remains in a “positive mood” as he awaits a trial for a crime he did not commit.
Trump claimed, “Vladimir Putin,...
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said, “Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who Russia is holding, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. He will be Home, Safe, And With His Family.”
Gershkovich was arrested in Russia in March last year on spying charges. He has spent more than a year in a Moscow prison, with no date set for a trial. The Biden administration and the Wall Street Journal strongly deny the spying charges. U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy has visited the journalist in detention and reported that he remains in a “positive mood” as he awaits a trial for a crime he did not commit.
Trump claimed, “Vladimir Putin,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appears in an undated photograph.
News organizations and press freedom groups have marked one year since a Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested and detained in Russia on unsubstantiated charges of spying.
Evan Gershkovich, an American citizen, was detained by Russian security officials in the town of Yekaterinburg while he was having dinner with an acquaintance.
Gershkovich was fully accredited to work under Russian law, with the Journal obtaining all necessary press credentials to allow him to work in the country.
The journalist has been detained on espionage charges in Russia for the past year, with a local judge denying requests to release him on bail. No one from the Russian government has produced any public evidence to support the charges, which the Journal describes as baseless.
Lefortovo Prison in Moscow, where American journalist Evan Gershkovich is jailed. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
On Friday,...
News organizations and press freedom groups have marked one year since a Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested and detained in Russia on unsubstantiated charges of spying.
Evan Gershkovich, an American citizen, was detained by Russian security officials in the town of Yekaterinburg while he was having dinner with an acquaintance.
Gershkovich was fully accredited to work under Russian law, with the Journal obtaining all necessary press credentials to allow him to work in the country.
The journalist has been detained on espionage charges in Russia for the past year, with a local judge denying requests to release him on bail. No one from the Russian government has produced any public evidence to support the charges, which the Journal describes as baseless.
Lefortovo Prison in Moscow, where American journalist Evan Gershkovich is jailed. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
On Friday,...
- 3/30/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
It was one year ago on Friday that The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia on espionage charges that the U.S. government has called “fiction.”
On Thursday, Gershkovich’s detention was extended by another three months, according to the Journal, as he awaits trial.
The Journal said in a statement, “It’s a ruling that ensures Evan will sit in a Russian prison well past one year. It was also Evan’s 12th court appearance, baseless proceedings that falsely portray him as something other than what he is—a journalist who was doing his job. He should never have been detained. Journalism is not a crime, and we continue to demand his immediate release.”
Gershkovich was detained on March 29, 2023 by Russia’s security service. It was the first time that Russia has charged an overseas reporter with spying since the end of the Cold War. The...
On Thursday, Gershkovich’s detention was extended by another three months, according to the Journal, as he awaits trial.
The Journal said in a statement, “It’s a ruling that ensures Evan will sit in a Russian prison well past one year. It was also Evan’s 12th court appearance, baseless proceedings that falsely portray him as something other than what he is—a journalist who was doing his job. He should never have been detained. Journalism is not a crime, and we continue to demand his immediate release.”
Gershkovich was detained on March 29, 2023 by Russia’s security service. It was the first time that Russia has charged an overseas reporter with spying since the end of the Cold War. The...
- 3/28/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Recently-fired former Fox News host and current Twitter talk show anchor Tucker Carlson shared what he believes it means to be an American: pure unadulterated hate.
“If you’re an American, you have a right to decide who you hate,” Carlson told the audience at the annual Turning Point Action conference on Saturday evening. “You have a fundamental right… If you’re an adult, you get to decide, and you get to decide on the basis of whatever you want.”
Carlson was practically giddy at the reception he received from...
“If you’re an American, you have a right to decide who you hate,” Carlson told the audience at the annual Turning Point Action conference on Saturday evening. “You have a fundamental right… If you’re an adult, you get to decide, and you get to decide on the basis of whatever you want.”
Carlson was practically giddy at the reception he received from...
- 7/15/2023
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner spoke out today for the first time since being freed from a Russian penal colony.
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” the WNBA star wrote, posting photos of herself getting off a plane and also hugging her wife Cherelle in what appears to be an airplane hanger.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
She was released last week in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. There were critics of the swap who...
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” the WNBA star wrote, posting photos of herself getting off a plane and also hugging her wife Cherelle in what appears to be an airplane hanger.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
She was released last week in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. There were critics of the swap who...
- 12/16/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittney Griner is thankful to be free.
After being released from Russia last week since being detained in February, Griner posted a passionate Instagram post this Friday, thanking everyone who had a role in freeing her, including President Biden.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you,” vowed the WNBA player. “I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bg (@brittneyyevettegriner)
Griner also made sure to give gratitude to her friends and family who stood by her side during such tough and chaotic last few months.
“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me,...
After being released from Russia last week since being detained in February, Griner posted a passionate Instagram post this Friday, thanking everyone who had a role in freeing her, including President Biden.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you,” vowed the WNBA player. “I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bg (@brittneyyevettegriner)
Griner also made sure to give gratitude to her friends and family who stood by her side during such tough and chaotic last few months.
“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Brittney Griner thanked the many people who helped get her home and declared she was going to be ready to play basketball when the WNBA returns next year in in her first official statement since her release from a Russian prison.
“It feels so good to be home!” Griner said. “The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.
“It feels so good to be home!” Griner said. “The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.
- 12/16/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
“Ye and his connections to Greek and Russian Orthodox Church Leaders have shown positive results!” said a Shockya Insider They’ve been working on Griner and Whelan’s release for weeks!” Ye formerly Kanye West has been lobbying Russian President Vladimir Putin to free retired Marine Paul Whelan, an American patriot who’s currently serving jail time in […]
The post Breaking News! Russian Church Brokers Meeting with Ye aka Kanye West and Valdimir Putin to Free Paul Whelan appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Breaking News! Russian Church Brokers Meeting with Ye aka Kanye West and Valdimir Putin to Free Paul Whelan appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/14/2022
- by Grady Owen
- ShockYa
“The View” hosts were quick to call out Republicans’ hypocrisy on Monday, as they discussed former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo comments on the Brittney Griner-Viktor Bout prisoner swap.
After 10 months in a Russian prison, WNBA player Griner was brought back to the U.S. in exchange for the Russian arms dealer. Pompeo made his feelings clear, saying that this swap sets a dangerous precedent and will make it “more likely” celebrities will be taken hostage.
Whoopi Goldberg, however, wasn’t having it and reminded viewers that former President Donald Trump freed 5,000 Taliban members for no reason during his presidency and faced little to no blowback.
“I do want to point out that ‘You Know Who’ traded for no one and gave 5,000 Taliban guys,” she said. “How come no one is bitching about that?”
Also Read:
Keith Olbermann Torches GOP for Response to Brittney Griner’s Release: ‘Stupidity Is the...
After 10 months in a Russian prison, WNBA player Griner was brought back to the U.S. in exchange for the Russian arms dealer. Pompeo made his feelings clear, saying that this swap sets a dangerous precedent and will make it “more likely” celebrities will be taken hostage.
Whoopi Goldberg, however, wasn’t having it and reminded viewers that former President Donald Trump freed 5,000 Taliban members for no reason during his presidency and faced little to no blowback.
“I do want to point out that ‘You Know Who’ traded for no one and gave 5,000 Taliban guys,” she said. “How come no one is bitching about that?”
Also Read:
Keith Olbermann Torches GOP for Response to Brittney Griner’s Release: ‘Stupidity Is the...
- 12/12/2022
- by Aarohi Sheth
- The Wrap
Late on Tuesday morning, aboard Air Force One, President Joe Biden’s tie was loose and his blazer was off. In the conference room at the back of the plane, Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona stood up and pressed for an urgent answer: When was Brittney Griner coming home? The Congressman had been advocating for the administration to prioritize the case of the wrongfully detained basketball star who played in his neighboring district, after months of what one person familiar with the Russian talks called “dilly-dallying” by a White House...
- 12/10/2022
- by Matt Sullivan
- Rollingstone.com
Fox News’ Tucker Carlson knocked President Joe Biden’s announcement on Thursday that he has secured the release of American WNBA player Brittney Griner. The opinion host claimed she was prioritized over former Marine Paul Whelan based on her identity and politics.
Griner was detained in Russia in February for possessing less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage while at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. In exchange for her release, the United States released arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence after conspiring to sell weapons meant to be used against Americans. Meanwhile, Whelan has been detained in Russia since 2018 on charges of espionage.
Carlson cited a NBC News report which said that Russia originally gave Biden a choice of whether to free Griner or Whelan in exchange for Bout. The initial reporting cited a senior U.S. official. He then claimed that the report...
Griner was detained in Russia in February for possessing less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage while at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. In exchange for her release, the United States released arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence after conspiring to sell weapons meant to be used against Americans. Meanwhile, Whelan has been detained in Russia since 2018 on charges of espionage.
Carlson cited a NBC News report which said that Russia originally gave Biden a choice of whether to free Griner or Whelan in exchange for Bout. The initial reporting cited a senior U.S. official. He then claimed that the report...
- 12/9/2022
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called for President Joe Biden to be impeached following WNBA star Brittany Griner’s release from Russia in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
“Another reason to impeach Biden,” the Georgia congresswoman tweeted. “The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail, and brought home a professional basketball player.”
Another reason to impeach Biden.
The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail,...
“Another reason to impeach Biden,” the Georgia congresswoman tweeted. “The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail, and brought home a professional basketball player.”
Another reason to impeach Biden.
The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail,...
- 12/8/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
President Joe Biden announced that WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian prison on Thursday in exchange for arms trafficker Victor Bout.
After months of negotiation, Biden signed off the trade that set the basketball star free and, in exchange, the U.S. will send Bout back to Russia after more than 12 years in custody.
This means that American corporate security executive Paul Whelan will remain jailed in Russia. U.S. diplomats had hoped to include Whelan in any deal.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
“Moments ago, standing together with her wife, Cherelle, in the Oval Office, I spoke with Brittney Griner,” said Biden on Thursday morning. “She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home… She will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along.”
“I’m...
After months of negotiation, Biden signed off the trade that set the basketball star free and, in exchange, the U.S. will send Bout back to Russia after more than 12 years in custody.
This means that American corporate security executive Paul Whelan will remain jailed in Russia. U.S. diplomats had hoped to include Whelan in any deal.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
“Moments ago, standing together with her wife, Cherelle, in the Oval Office, I spoke with Brittney Griner,” said Biden on Thursday morning. “She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home… She will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along.”
“I’m...
- 12/8/2022
- by Peiyu Jiang
- Uinterview
Click here to read the full article.
President Joe Biden says WNBA star Brittney Griner is safe in American custody and on her way home after being released from Russia in an extraordinary prisoner swap.
Biden said in an address from the White House on Thursday that these “past few months have been hell for Brittney” but that she was in good spirits.
Griner was freed in an exchange in which the United States released convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Russia freed Griner in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American and Russian officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.
The deal, the second such exchange in eight months with Russia,...
President Joe Biden says WNBA star Brittney Griner is safe in American custody and on her way home after being released from Russia in an extraordinary prisoner swap.
Biden said in an address from the White House on Thursday that these “past few months have been hell for Brittney” but that she was in good spirits.
Griner was freed in an exchange in which the United States released convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Russia freed Griner in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American and Russian officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.
The deal, the second such exchange in eight months with Russia,...
- 12/8/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian penal colony in a prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to a senior administration official.
Griner is now in the custody of U.S. officials, President Joe Biden announced, and is on a plane heading back to the U.S. Her wife Cherelle was photographed in the Oval Office with the president.
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
— President Biden (@Potus) December 8, 2022
Griner was first arrested back in February after Russian customs officials found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty to drug charges in July and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.
Griner, a two-time Olympic champion and one of the biggest stars of the WNBA, was the most prominent American...
Griner is now in the custody of U.S. officials, President Joe Biden announced, and is on a plane heading back to the U.S. Her wife Cherelle was photographed in the Oval Office with the president.
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
— President Biden (@Potus) December 8, 2022
Griner was first arrested back in February after Russian customs officials found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty to drug charges in July and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.
Griner, a two-time Olympic champion and one of the biggest stars of the WNBA, was the most prominent American...
- 12/8/2022
- by Alex Nino Gheciu
- ET Canada
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who had been held in Russian prisons for 10 months on drug charges, was released from custody Thursday. Griner was released as part of a long-talked-about prisoner swap negotiated by the U.S. State Department for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
According to CBS News, the one-for-one exchange was approved by President Joe Biden within the past week. Details of the deal remain unclear, but CBS News reports that at least one concession was made by only agreeing to swap one American prisoner for one Russian.
According to CBS News, the one-for-one exchange was approved by President Joe Biden within the past week. Details of the deal remain unclear, but CBS News reports that at least one concession was made by only agreeing to swap one American prisoner for one Russian.
- 12/8/2022
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
U.S. basketball champion Brittney Griner has been released by Russia in a prisoner swap and is now in U.S. custody.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
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She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony.
Griner is reported to have been released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
CBS News broke the story...
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
Related Story Marriage Equality Bill Clears Congress In House Vote; Joe Biden Next Will Sign Protections For Same-Sex And Interracial Unions Related Story Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon-style French Late Show 'Le Late Avec Alain Chabat' Launches Amid Fanfare & Mixed Response Related Story Poland's Camerimage Festival Responds To Missile Strike On Ukrainian Border: "No Reason To Think That It Can Endanger Our Guests"
She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony.
Griner is reported to have been released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
CBS News broke the story...
- 12/8/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Imprisoned WNBA star Brittney Griner is getting sent to a general regime prison, one of the harshest types of Russian penal colonies for women.
Griner’s lawyer confirmed the transfer to People, explaining that Griner was moved into one of the 35 high-security correctional institutions for women; on Nov. 17, Reuters reported that Griner has been sent to Female Penal Colony Ik-2 in Yavas, 300 miles southeast of Moscow. The U.S. State Department said they heard reports of Griner’s relocation but did not receive official word from Russian authorities.
While many...
Griner’s lawyer confirmed the transfer to People, explaining that Griner was moved into one of the 35 high-security correctional institutions for women; on Nov. 17, Reuters reported that Griner has been sent to Female Penal Colony Ik-2 in Yavas, 300 miles southeast of Moscow. The U.S. State Department said they heard reports of Griner’s relocation but did not receive official word from Russian authorities.
While many...
- 11/17/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Members of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow visited Brittney Griner on Thursday, just over a week after the WNBA star lost her appeal on drug smuggling charges.
“We are told she is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday (via the New York Times).
Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, added in a tweet that “officials visited Brittney Griner today. They saw firsthand her tenacity and perseverance despite her present circumstances. We continue to press...
“We are told she is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday (via the New York Times).
Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, added in a tweet that “officials visited Brittney Griner today. They saw firsthand her tenacity and perseverance despite her present circumstances. We continue to press...
- 11/3/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner’s nine-year prison sentence on drug smuggling charges was upheld in Russian court Tuesday, Oct. 25, The Associated Press reports.
The ruling, though disheartening for Griner and her supporters, was largely expected, as Russian courts rarely overturn verdicts. Prior to the appeal, Griner’s lawyers said in a statement that she did not expect “any miracles to happen,” according to the New York Times.
Though the court upheld Griner’s sentence, it did decide to recalculate her time served. Though her original sentence was nine years, the court decided...
The ruling, though disheartening for Griner and her supporters, was largely expected, as Russian courts rarely overturn verdicts. Prior to the appeal, Griner’s lawyers said in a statement that she did not expect “any miracles to happen,” according to the New York Times.
Though the court upheld Griner’s sentence, it did decide to recalculate her time served. Though her original sentence was nine years, the court decided...
- 10/25/2022
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
Read More: LeBron James...
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
Read More: LeBron James...
- 10/25/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Update: A Russian court has upheld the nine-year prison sentence of American basketball star Brittney Griner, drawing a rebuke from President Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who called for Griner’s immediate release and decried the “sham judicial proceeding.”
Today’s ruling upholds the nine-year sentence in a penal colony. Griner, a WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medallist, was arrested at a Moscow airport last February with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
In a statement, Griner’s lawyers said, “We are very disappointed. The verdict contains numerous defects, and we hoped that the court of appeal would take them into consideration.”
Said Sullivan, “We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today. President Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately.”
Previous, Aug.
Today’s ruling upholds the nine-year sentence in a penal colony. Griner, a WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medallist, was arrested at a Moscow airport last February with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
In a statement, Griner’s lawyers said, “We are very disappointed. The verdict contains numerous defects, and we hoped that the court of appeal would take them into consideration.”
Said Sullivan, “We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today. President Biden has been very clear that Brittney should be released immediately.”
Previous, Aug.
- 10/25/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
- 10/25/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An appeal hearing for Brittney Griner has been set for October 25, according to the Associated Press. The detained WNBA star is set to fight her 9-year prison sentence after being convicted of smuggling drugs into the country.
Griner was convicted in August after Russian authorities found vape pens with cannabis oil in her luggage when she traveled into the country to join a Russian sports team in the WNBA off-season back in February.
Following her early August conviction, her lawyer Maria Blagovolina told People that the WNBA star is “stressed...
Griner was convicted in August after Russian authorities found vape pens with cannabis oil in her luggage when she traveled into the country to join a Russian sports team in the WNBA off-season back in February.
Following her early August conviction, her lawyer Maria Blagovolina told People that the WNBA star is “stressed...
- 10/3/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Presidential support. On Sept. 16, President Joe Biden met with Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, as the WNBA star remains detained in Russia. In a statement to E! News, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shared that the two met in the Oval Office, where President Biden reiterated his "continued commitment to working through all available avenues to bring Griner home safely." That same day, Biden also met separately with Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of Paul Whelan, another American who has been detained in Russia since 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence. "The President appreciated the opportunity to learn more about...
- 9/17/2022
- E! Online
Former NBA player Dennis Rodman announced he is going to Russia to help imprisoned WNBA player Brittney Griner — and White House officials are not thrilled.
The basketball player claimed on Saturday, “I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl. I’m trying to go this week.”
Rodman added, “I know Putin too well.” He notably called the Russian President “cool” back in 2014.
Since his basketball days, Rodman has taken an interest in casual international diplomacy. He’s traveled to North Korea many times and even befriended dictator Kim Jong-Un.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price clarified on Monday, “He would not be traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.”
Price added, “We believe that anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder those release efforts.”
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for allegedly having vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage.
The basketball player claimed on Saturday, “I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl. I’m trying to go this week.”
Rodman added, “I know Putin too well.” He notably called the Russian President “cool” back in 2014.
Since his basketball days, Rodman has taken an interest in casual international diplomacy. He’s traveled to North Korea many times and even befriended dictator Kim Jong-Un.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price clarified on Monday, “He would not be traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.”
Price added, “We believe that anything other than negotiating further through the established channel is likely to complicate and hinder those release efforts.”
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for allegedly having vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage.
- 8/23/2022
- by Ilana Frost
- Uinterview
The White House does not want former NBA star and self-styled diplomat Dennis Rodman to travel to Russia to advocate for the release of Brittney Griner.
Over the weekend, as NBC News reports, Rodman told reporters that he had “got permission to go to Russia to help that girl” and that he would try to leave sometime this week. Griner, a top WNBA player who also plays in Russia during the off-season, was recently sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of smuggling illegal drugs into the...
Over the weekend, as NBC News reports, Rodman told reporters that he had “got permission to go to Russia to help that girl” and that he would try to leave sometime this week. Griner, a top WNBA player who also plays in Russia during the off-season, was recently sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of smuggling illegal drugs into the...
- 8/22/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner’s defense team has filed an appeal against the verdict that has sentenced the WNBA player to nine years in prison after she was found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia, Griner’s lawyer Maria Blagovolina told CNN.
In addition to the nine-year sentence, Griner was also fined 16,400. The sentencing and fine were handed down in a decision issued by Khimki city court Judge Anna Sotnikova on Aug. 4. While the judge maintains that the court took Griner’s partial admission of guilt into consideration, as well as her remorse and charitable actions,...
In addition to the nine-year sentence, Griner was also fined 16,400. The sentencing and fine were handed down in a decision issued by Khimki city court Judge Anna Sotnikova on Aug. 4. While the judge maintains that the court took Griner’s partial admission of guilt into consideration, as well as her remorse and charitable actions,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner was found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia and sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday. Griner had told the court she used marijuana for medicinal purposes, as is legal in the United States and other countries. She was caught with less than a gram of cannabis oil.
Former President Trump bashed Griner recently, calling her “a potentially spoiled person” who went to Russia “loaded up with drugs,” and right-wingers are now celebrating the verdict on social media in step with the Russian state, which found...
Former President Trump bashed Griner recently, calling her “a potentially spoiled person” who went to Russia “loaded up with drugs,” and right-wingers are now celebrating the verdict on social media in step with the Russian state, which found...
- 8/4/2022
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner has been found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia, the New York Times reports. The judge sentenced the WNBA star to nine years in prison and issued a fine of 1 million rubles, or about 16,300.
While the guilty verdict was expected, as the Russian legal system rarely acquits defendants, the trial garnered national attention throughout the weeks-long trial.
Shortly after the verdict was announced, President Joe Biden released a statement demanding Griner’s release.
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder...
While the guilty verdict was expected, as the Russian legal system rarely acquits defendants, the trial garnered national attention throughout the weeks-long trial.
Shortly after the verdict was announced, President Joe Biden released a statement demanding Griner’s release.
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder...
- 8/4/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Initially anticipated to continue for weeks, or even months, Brittney Griner’s high-profile drug possession trial is expected to come to a close in Russia “very soon,” the WNBA star’s lawyer Maria Blagovolina told Reuters. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday, with a sentencing decision following sometime this month.
Appearing in court on Tuesday for the seventh hearing of the trial, a defense expert testified that the examination of the vape cartridges containing cannabis oil discovered in Griner’s luggage at a Moscow-area airport in February violated standard Russian law.
Appearing in court on Tuesday for the seventh hearing of the trial, a defense expert testified that the examination of the vape cartridges containing cannabis oil discovered in Griner’s luggage at a Moscow-area airport in February violated standard Russian law.
- 8/2/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
As the Biden administration is reportedly negotiating a prisoner exchange with Russia in an effort to bring home two U.S. citizens, including WNBA star Brittney Griner, “The View” host Joy Behar has a suggestion — give Russia Mitch McConnell instead of the man they actually want.
This week, it was reported that an offer was made to Russia to to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker known as “The Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year U.S. prison sentence, for the release of American citizens Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, after both were wrongly detained.
The move has met mixed reactions, with some criticizing Biden for being willing to release such a dangerous criminal back to Russia. Of course, Behar had an alternative option on “The View” on Thursday.
“Can’t they just send Mitch McConnell instead?” Behar suggested. “That seems like a ….”
Also Read:
‘The View...
This week, it was reported that an offer was made to Russia to to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker known as “The Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year U.S. prison sentence, for the release of American citizens Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, after both were wrongly detained.
The move has met mixed reactions, with some criticizing Biden for being willing to release such a dangerous criminal back to Russia. Of course, Behar had an alternative option on “The View” on Thursday.
“Can’t they just send Mitch McConnell instead?” Behar suggested. “That seems like a ….”
Also Read:
‘The View...
- 7/28/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
In a rare move, the State Department has offered Russia a deal in hopes of securing the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner and another imprisoned American, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former security executive Paul Whelan, the U.S. government claims are “wrongly detained” in the country.
Although Secretary of State Anthony Blinken did not disclose the terms of the proposed prisoner swap, a source close to the matter revealed to The New York Times that the U.S. was willing to trade convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for the jailed Americans.
Although Secretary of State Anthony Blinken did not disclose the terms of the proposed prisoner swap, a source close to the matter revealed to The New York Times that the U.S. was willing to trade convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for the jailed Americans.
- 7/28/2022
- by Kat Bouza
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.
In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before Russia invaded Ukraine to discuss the deal and other matters.
Blinken’s comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and testified Wednesday at her trial. He did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, though a person familiar with the matter said the U.S. government has offered to trade convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Whelan and Griner.
The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.
In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before Russia invaded Ukraine to discuss the deal and other matters.
Blinken’s comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and testified Wednesday at her trial. He did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, though a person familiar with the matter said the U.S. government has offered to trade convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Whelan and Griner.
- 7/28/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
President Joe Biden has not given up on bringing Brittney Griner back home. His administration reportedly offered Russia a deal to exchange convicted Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout—who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in the U.S.—for the release of the WNBA athlete and Paul Whelan, multiple sources told CNN. The exchange, which has been in discussion since June, has received Biden's support, per the outlet. "We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians," an anonymous senior administration official told CNN. "We communicated that a number of...
- 7/27/2022
- E! Online
Imprisoned basketball player Brittney Griner has appealed to Joe Biden in a heartfelt letter, asking the president to help bring her home.
Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, confirmed to news outlets that the letter was delivered to the president on Monday, July 4. The majority of the letter remains private, but Colas shared snippets of Griner’s missive.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,...
Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, confirmed to news outlets that the letter was delivered to the president on Monday, July 4. The majority of the letter remains private, but Colas shared snippets of Griner’s missive.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,...
- 7/5/2022
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
Brittney Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not “forget about me and the other American Detainees.”
Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note.
″…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury center added.
Brittney Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not “forget about me and the other American Detainees.”
Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note.
″…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury center added.
- 7/5/2022
- by Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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