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Prosecutors in Russia are seeking a 9 ½ year prison sentence for American basketball star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17.
Griner is currently being held on charges of possessing a cannabis vape cartridge while traveling through Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Russia. Her trial began on July 1, and closing arguments are set to take place Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Griner is currently facing up to 10 years in prison.
Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted and, unlike the U.S., acquittals can be overturned, according to The Washington Post. There remains no clear timeline on a verdict.
In late July, the Biden administration offered Russia a prisoner swap, with the U.S. offering to free notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Russia freeing Griner and fellow American Paul Whelan.
A few weeks before that, during the Fourth of July weekend, Griner wrote a letter to President Biden pleading for her freedom from Russian detention.
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees,” Griner wrote. “Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
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