A Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges.
31-year-old Griner admitted to possessing cannabis oil but told the court that it was an honest mistake.
The court convicted Griner of smuggling and possessing narcotics, and gave her close to the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.
Griner is a double Olympic gold medallist and is considered one of the best players in the world.
She was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
US President Joe Biden called the sentencing "unacceptable".
It is unclear how long she will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.
Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout - known as the Merchant of Death - could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal.
Griner's defence team said they would appeal against Thursday's verdict by the court in Khimki, near Moscow.
Source: BBC
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