Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drugs charges

Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty in a Khimki, Russia, courtroom to drugs charges that could bring a sentence of up to 10 years.

"I'd like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said, according to Reuters.

Griner asked the judge for "time to prepare" her testimony. She's scheduled to appear again in one week, July 14, with her detention currently scheduled to last into December.

The White House said that "United States President Joe Biden is working to secure Brittney's release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other US nationals who, he said, are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world."

Brittney Griner wrote a letter to Biden that was delivered to the White House for the Independence Day holiday. It was a plea to Biden to work on her case and also to assist other Americans held in Russia. "I'm terrified I might be here forever," Griner wrote, according to excerpts of the letter released by her representatives on Monday.

"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," Griner wrote. "It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.

"I realise you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees. 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."

The White House said that the administration is pursuing "every avenue to bring Brittney home."