The United States is talking about “illegal” detention, and Russia is attacking the case, saying it wants to “politicize” it. Britney Griner has been in prison for almost three months – Observer

Britney Griner was arrested in Russia on February 17, just days before the start of the Ukrainian invasion. That is, Britney Griner, an American citizen, has been detained in Russia for almost three months. Between Russian pretenses and American retaliation it naturally became a soldier. Now, for the first time, Russia has decided to fully justify why one of the best basketball players today is in prison.

In a statement to CNN, the Russian government confirmed the arrest of Britney Greener at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow for possession of hash oil. “She was caught trying to smuggle hash oil. In Russia, it is a crime and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The allegations are serious and based on objective facts and available evidence. The final stage of the case should take place in the courts, ”the statement said.

American basketball star Britney Greiner may be a ‘high-profile hostage’ in Moscow

The Russian response came a week after a US State Department report. Griner considered “unjustly detained” and the same detention “illegal” – Biden management opened the door to the opportunity to act more aggressively to protect the player’s release. “Britney has been in custody for more than 75 days and we hope the White House will do whatever it takes to bring her home,” said Lindsay Kagawa Colas, an athletics agent. Associated Press.

In the official note, and in direct reaction to the idea that detention is illegal, Russia highlighted it. “Attempts to raise doubts about the validity of prison can only be explained by the desire to influence justice by politicizing the generally understandable situation.” On the other hand, the WNBA was optimistic after the US government took a stand. “This news is a positive development and the next step in bringing her home. The WNBA is in constant contact with the U.S. government over Britney’s case, and we’re working together to bring her home safely and quickly. “

Britney Greiner, 31, plays for WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Russia’s Ekaterinburg. Leisure season From the US – that’s why I tried to enter the country in February. The American was champion in 2014 and has already been selected All star Seven times, He has also been an Olympic champion with the national team at the Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.