Tensions rise between Moscow and Washington on the sidelines of the Brittney Griner case. The latter has been imprisoned in Russia since last February after being arrested at Moscow airport for possession of cannabis oil. While the US government acknowledged that the WNBA star was “wrongly detained”, Brittney Griner recently challenged Joe Biden in an open letter to plead for his release:I know it takes a lot of effort, but please don’t forget me and the other American prisoners. Please do your best to get us home.“
As this case gains momentum in a tense geopolitical context, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia has no intention of releasing Brittney Griner in any way:If an American citizen has been caught in connection with the fact that he is trafficking drugs and does not deny it, this must comply with our Russian, local laws, not those accepted in San Francisco, New York and Washington. You understand, If the drug is legalized in the United States, in a few states, and it’s been around for a long time, the whole country will become addicted. EtcHowever, this does not mean that all other countries should follow the same path.“
As her trial begins in early July, Brittney Griner could face 10 years in prison if found guilty of the charges against her in Russia. In addition, a Russian court allowed the WNBA player to remain in temporary detention until December 20.
Benoit Lesueur
Source: Programme Television
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