In an interview with the American television network MSNBC, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, said that it is not possible to “take hostage” the American basketball player Brittney Griner. The WNBA player has been detained in Russia since February for allegedly entering the country with cannabis oil.
The WNBA player traveled to Russia in February, with actions to promote the sport in the country. According to Russian authorities, vaping cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in the American’s luggage. This version is disputed by the basketball player’s wife, Cherelle Griner, who made public the statement that the woman was used as a political pawn.
“Russia is not the only country in the world that has strict laws in this regard (…) it is the law. We can’t do anything about it,” Peskov said during the interview, when asked about it. The Kremlin spokesman also said he “strongly disagrees” with the theory that Griner is being held hostage.
“We cannot hold you hostage. Why do we call him a hostage?” she advanced. “She broke Russian law and now she is on trial. You are not being held hostage.”
Last week, the Khimi court, which has the WNBA player’s accusation in hand, postponed the athlete’s trial again. The Russian news agency TASS said Griner will remain in detention until at least July 2. The 31-year-old could face up to ten years in prison in Russia if he is convicted.
Professor and former US diplomat sentenced to 14 years in prison in Russia for transporting cannabis
Source: Observadora
