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U.S. basketball star Greener is tried on suspicion of drugs in Russia

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Reuters

Reuters

KHIMKI — US basketball star Brittney Griner was tried in court on the outskirts of Moscow on Friday and faced drug charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison.

A case consistent with the worsening relations between Moscow and Washington over the conflict in Ukraine said Russian authorities found an arc cartridge containing hashish oil in Greener's luggage at Moscow Airport in February. It was later raised.

US-based Women's Basketball Association (WNBA) star Greener was arrested and charged with smuggling large amounts of drugs.

A 31-year-old athlete arrives at the Khimki City Courthouse shortly after noon Moscow time (0900 GMT) on Friday, wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt and sneakers. I was wearing it. Races banned in Russian prisons.

The prosecutor told Greener that she was charged with deliberately transporting drugs. Greener said she understood her allegations.

The court was attended by three employees of the US Embassy, ​​including Deputy Director Elizabeth Ruud. Greener was sitting in a cage containing a cookie zip lock bag and a bottle of mineral water.

Grinner told Reuters reporters that he was difficult to detain because he couldn't speak Russian, couldn't keep up with his physical fitness, and could only do general exercise such as stretching. rice field.

Her lawyer told Reuters she wouldn't yet tell if she pleaded guilty to her.

"Illegal drugs"

When asked about the incident, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied it was a political motive.

"I can only manipulate with known facts. The facts show that prominent athletes have been detained with illegal drugs, including drugs. Russia's provisions for punishment for such crimes. There is an article on the law, "he told reporters. "Only the court can pass the verdict."

US officials and numerous athletes are calling for the release of Greener ("BG"), known to basketball fans. They say she has been illegally detained and she should be returned to her family in the United States immediately.

Greener's detention also says Moscow could use two Olympic gold medalists to negotiate the release of prominent Russians under US control. Raised concern.

The Kremlin said he denied that Grinner had violated Russian law and was held hostage in Russia's confrontation with the United States.

Phoenix Mercury's center, Greener, played for Russia's UMMC Yekaterinburg during the WNBA's off-season. Several other US players appear to have signed favorable deals in the Russian Women's Basketball Premier League.

However, some have left the Russian League in Grinner's detention and Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.

Grinner's wife, Sherel Grinner, told CNN in an interview Thursday night that she wants to meet with US President Joe Biden.

"Tell me what he cares about," said Cherelle Griner.

The US government has warned citizens of her trip to Russia in the light of "potential harassment of US citizens by Russian government security officials."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week that "it is not a high priority" as "illegal detention" of Greener and other Americans abroad. (Report by Reuters, edited by Mark Trevelian and Gareth Jones)