Moscow defends arrest of basketball star Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner was seen in courtroom for first time on Could 13.
AP

Russian prosecutors defended the arrest of US ladies’s basketball participant Brittney Griner after the Biden administration known as her detention “unlawful.”

In an announcement Thursday, Russian authorities stated that the 31-year-old was detained by police in Moscow in February based mostly on “goal info and proof.”

“She was caught red-handed whereas making an attempt to smuggle hash oil,” stated the assertion. “In Russia it is a crime.”

Earlier this month, the US State Division known as Griner’s arrest “unlawful” and “wrongful.”

Griner was caught trying to depart the nation with vape cartridges containing a spinoff of hashish oil. Whereas authorized in different components of the world, the cartridges are banned in Russia.

Surveillance footage of Griner within the airport earlier than her arrest.

Russian Federal Customs Service

Griner faces years as much as 10 years in jail if convicted.

AFP through Getty Photographs

Griner, who performs for the Phoenix Mercury in addition to a Russian crew within the off season, faces as much as 10 years in jail if convicted. She appeared in courtroom Friday — the primary time she has appeared in public since her arrest.