Russia Sentences Brittney Griner To 9 Years In Prison: Hip-Hop Artists React On Social Media

Hip-hop artists and the public alike are reacting with outrage to the Russian court's decision to sentence Brittney Griner to nine years in prison.

A Russian court today (August 4) sentenced 31-year-old basketball player and Olympic gold winner Brittney Griner to nine years in jail.

Griner had been detained at an airport near Moscow in February 2022. She was convicted of deliberately smuggling drugs into Russia, even though it was cannabis oil in her vape cartridges. The court gave her close to the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.

In her ruling, Judge Anna Sotnikova noted the considerable time Giner had spent in detention and said that she would take it into consideration.

After both parties made their final statements, Griner addressed the court and said, “I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life here. I did not conspire or intend to commit this crime.”

The defense attorney for Griner stated that they will appeal the court's decision from Khimki, outside Moscow, on Thursday, August 11.

In a statement released today by Joe Biden, the president urges Russia to release Griner “immediately.”

“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”: Biden stated.

The Russian court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison. It's unclear how long she will actually spend behind bars; the United States and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap. Viktor Bout, often known as the Merchant of Death, may be transferred from Washington to Russia as part of the arrangement.

Many hip-hop artists, including Boosie Badazz, have spoken out about the injustice done to American basketball Star Brittney Griner.

Boosie Badazz took to Twitter to express his thoughts about the situation he tweeted:

“9 YEARS FOR A DAM WEED PEN. LIKE wtf IM STAYING MY BOOSIE BADAZZ N THE STATES this f***up.”

The Baton Rouge rapper continued to express his thoughts in a 1-minute video saying if that was Taylor Swift she would be at home right now.

In the video, Badazz said: “How the hell this girl gets 9 years for a weed pen. And the USA ain't doing nothing about it. You tell me that. If that was Taylor Swift it will be a peace treat right now.”

Boosie also pointed out that the vice president is also a black woman—and that she should be “on the front line” to get Brittney released from jail.

“What that shows for a black woman in the united states, and the vice president as a black woman. You are supposed to be on the front line to get that black woman out of jail.”

NLE Choppa, seemed also concerned about the matter and tweeted:

“F*** tweeting about Brittany Griner what can we do to help? S*** is absurd.”

Everyone knows that this is about politics, not justice or human rights. President Joe Biden must act immediately so that Brittany can be released from jail and return home to her family and loved ones.