Vladimir Putin, via his spokesperson, is speaking about Brittney Griner‘s imprisonment for the primary time … refuting the cost the WNBA star is a political prisoner, saying she’s locked up as a result of she violated Russian legislation.
31-year-old Griner has been behind bars since February after Russian officers say she tried to carry cannabis oil into the nation. The U.S., nonetheless, characterised her detainment as being politically motivated.
In different phrases, America believes Griner’s getting used as a bargaining chip … as relations between Russia and America (and the West generally) are extremely strained with warfare raging in Ukraine.
However, Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s mouthpiece, informed NBC Information Brittney’s detainment is easy — she broke the legislation, and is being held accountable similar to “tons of and tons of of Russian residents that had been sentenced for carrying cannabis.”
Peskov then requested … “Why ought to we make an exemption for a international citizen?”
Putin’s spokesperson additionally stated there are a lot of Individuals residing legally in Russia.
“[Griner] violated Russian legislation, and now she’s being prosecuted,” Peskov stated.
“It’s not about being a hostage. There are many Americans right here. They’re having fun with their freedoms … however you need to obey the legal guidelines.”
Regardless of Russia’s newest declare … it is possible it will do little to vary the minds of Griner’s household, mates, and followers — and america authorities — who nearly all imagine her detainment is motivated by geopolitical points … slightly than a comparatively minor drug infraction.
