Russian officers say US ought to respect their laws in Griner situation

The spokesperson for Russia's Overseas Ministry lashed out Thursday at the United States characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner's jailing on drug prices as "wrongful detention," stating it reveals disrespect for Russian regulation.

Griner has been jailed because she was arrested in mid-February at a Moscow airport just after vape canisters that contains hashish oil have been discovered in her luggage. The Phoenix Mercury standout and two-time Olympic gold medalist acknowledged in court docket this month that she experienced the canisters, but reported she experienced no intent to split the law.

She faces up to 10 several years in jail if convicted. Her demo is scheduled to resume Tuesday.

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The Point out Office in Could specified Griner as wrongfully detained, shifting her situation below the supervision of its specific presidential envoy for hostage affairs - successfully, the government’s main hostage negotiator.

Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia for drug possession. (G3 Box News Photo/Jim Heintz)

Russian International Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained Thursday that the legalization of hashish for healthcare and leisure use in parts of the U.S. has no bearing on what comes about in Russia.

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"If a U.S. citizen was taken in link with the simple fact that she was smuggling medications, and she does not deny this, then this should really be commensurate with our Russian, community legislation, and not with these adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington," Zakharova explained.

"You realize, if drugs are legalized in the United States, in a variety of states, and this is performed for a prolonged time, and now the total country will turn into drug-addicted, this does not signify that all other international locations are following the similar path," she extra.

Russian media have persistently speculated that Griner could be exchanged for distinguished Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, who is imprisoned in the United States, and that Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, may well also determine in an exchange.

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U.S. officers have not commented on the prospective buyers for such a trade. Russian officials have explained no trade could be talked over till the summary of the lawful proceedings versus Griner. It is unclear how prolonged the trial will last, but a court docket has authorized Griner's detention till Dec. 20.