The 2-time Olympic gold medalist, 32, was arrested in February as she tried to go away Russia, the place she had been taking part in basketball within the WNBA offseason.

She testified in court docket that she used prescribed hashish oil to deal with ache from sports activities accidents, however had forgotten the cartridges have been in her baggage when she swiftly packed for her journey.

US diplomats are below intense stress to barter a prisoner swap for Griner and Paul Whelan, who was arrested in 2018 and accused of being a spy.

Talking to reporters on the White Home after Tuesday’s midterm elections, President Joe Biden stated there had been quite a few discussions to attempt to safe Griner’s launch.

“I’m hopeful that now that our election is over there’s a willingness to barter extra particularly with us,” Biden stated. “I’m decided to get her dwelling and get her dwelling safely.”

Advocates say the Individuals are being saved as political pawns by the Kremlin amid the continued fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We’re grateful for everybody’s help, and hope that as we close to 9 months of detention, that BG and all wrongfully detained Individuals shall be proven mercy and returned dwelling to their households for the vacations,” Colas stated.