Well, of course there was no doubt, she pled guilty. You have a strange take as I am pretty sure an innocent decision has never been rendered ANYWHERE for a defendant that pled guilty.Was there ever any doubt of a guilty decision?
Sentence is just a mechanism for negotiating additional releases from the USA of persons Russia wants to be returned.
Doesn’t common sense dictate that there are “no go” countries on the planet?
We are involved in a proxy war with Russia.
You had to know this wasn’t going to end with an innocent decision.
Sentence just part of the negotiating process.
It doesn’t change the fact the search was videotaped in the airport (which means virtually nothing of course) and she pled guilty.Conviction was a foregone conclusion even before her guilty plea. The conviction rate in Russian courts is something like 99%, and the high-profile nature of this case would do nothing to lessen that likelihood.
According to experts I've seen quoted, a guilty plea was likely a precondition for any future prisoner swap, which from day one figured to be the only way she'd get to come home without serving hard time.
Even in countries outside of Russia in most European countries, if you go to trial you are considered guilty. Unlike here where the prosecutor needs to prove you are guilty, in Europe you have to prove your innocence. That makes in harder to go free.What I don't understand is if she pled guilty, why was there a trial to find her guilty?
Criminal procedure is different in Russia.What I don't understand is if she pled guilty, why was there a trial to find her guilty?
Criminal procedure is different in Russia.
"After the reading of the accusatory pleading the defendant is then asked to enter a plea. If the defendant pleads guilty, this does not end the case as it does in the United States. A guilty plea is just considered to be a piece of evidence and the procurator must present other evidence to corroborate the guilty plea."
It was reported today that her appeal of her sentence was rejected by a Russian court and she will serve the entire 9 years less credit for time served.9 year sentence
I do think it's worth mentioning that Fogel's amount was actually a large scale amount and unlike BG it is believed he was actively trying to smuggle drugs and was found with 10+ cartridges in his suitcases and even hid some in his contact lens cases.I know the Lorber/Griner comparison is a big meme in certain political circles, but as someone else said, I think it has more to do with the political climate and Griner being a high profile figure. Worth noting, Marc Fogel (a white man) was arrested in 2021 for medical marijuana and has been detained for 14 months. Earlier this month he was moved to a hard labor penal colony and has a 14 years sentence ahead. Hopefully both he and Brittney can get home well before their sentences are up.
Agreed. Staying on the original topic of the post, my prayers to B Griner and her friends and family. It is a heartbreaking situation.My heart and prayers go out to BG. Just praying that she is able to hold on mentally and physically.
Yeah, if only Audrey Lorber had gotten this much attention, maybe she would be free now. Oh, wait ...if only the non athletes that were also arrested unfairly in Russia got this attention.
Yeah, if only Audrey Lorber had gotten this much attention, maybe she would be free now. Oh, wait ...