Russia defends Grainer’s arrest

Moscow (dpa)
Russia has defended the arrest of American basketball player Britney Graner, who is currently on trial for alleged drug possession, while hinting at a possible pardon.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexei Zaytsev said in Moscow: The attempt to portray the case as if the American woman had been illegally arrested does not stand up to criticism. The law has been violated.
He stated that the “31-year-old” athlete is accused of a serious violation of the law, which can be punished with up to 10 years in prison.
After she is found guilty, the Russian diplomat added, Grayner can appeal the judge’s decision or write a pardon petition, and in Russia, anyone who submits a pardon request to the Russian president must plead guilty.
Greiner was arrested at Moscow airport on February 17 following being accused of having cannabis oil in her luggage. The Olympic gold medalist and star of the Phoenix Mercury team plays in Russia during the MLS hiatus.