Brittney Griner has pleaded responsible to drug possession and smuggling throughout her trial in Moscow however stated she had no intention of committing a criminal offense
The jailed American basketball star stated she had acted unintentionally as a result of she was packing in haste, in keeping with court docket experiences.
Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with hashish oil had been allegedly present in her baggage.
She faces as much as 10 years in jail if convicted of large-scale transportation of medication.
The trial of the two-time Olympic gold medalist started final week amid rising requires Washington to safe her freedom, almost 5 months after her arrest.
Russian Deputy Overseas Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Thursday that “makes an attempt by the American facet to make noise in public … don’t assist the sensible settlement of points.”
The White Home stated US President Joe Biden had known as Griner’s spouse on Wednesday to guarantee her that he’s doing all he can to acquire the athlete’s launch, as quickly as potential.
They spoke after Biden learn a letter from Griner during which she stated she feared she’d by no means return dwelling.
The USA might have little leverage with Moscow due to heightened tensions attributable to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
The US State Division has designated Griner as “wrongfully detained” and has handed her case to its particular presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
Ryabkov has additionally performed down any options that the basketball participant might be instantly returned in a prisoner swap till her trial is over.
“It is a critical offence, confirmed by indeniable proof … Makes an attempt to current the case as if the American was detained illegally don’t maintain up,” Overseas Ministry spokesman Alexei Zaitsev stated Wednesday.
“The legislation has been violated, and arguments concerning the harmless nature of Griner’s habit, which, by the way in which, is punishable in some U.S. states, are inappropriate on this case.”
