US basketball star Griner admits Russian drugs charge but denies intent

KHIMKI, Russia: US basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drugs charge in a Russian court on Thursday (Jul 7) but denied she had intentionally broken the law.

Griner was speaking at the second hearing of her trial on the narcotics charge that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, days after she urged US President Joe Biden to secure her release.

"I'd like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said, speaking quietly in English which was then translated into Russian for the court.

"I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare," she added.

The next court hearing was scheduled for Jul 14.

Griner's lawyer Alexander Boykov told reporters they were hoping for the most lenient sentencing possible.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist was detained in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia, and has been kept in custody since.

In a handwritten note, she appealed to Biden directly earlier this week to step up US efforts to bring her home.

"I realise 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."

Biden spoke to Griner's wife on Wednesday, telling her he was working to have her released "as soon as possible", the White House said.

Officials from the US embassy in Moscow attended Griner's trial and delivered a letter to her from Biden, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"We will not relent until Brittney, Paul Whelan and all other wrongfully detained Americans are reunited with their loved ones," he tweeted, referring to former US Marine Whelan who has been