The spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry lashed out Thursday at the United States characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner's jailing on drug fees as "wrongful detention," stating it reveals disrespect for Russian law.

Griner has been jailed due to the fact she was arrested in mid-February at a Moscow airport immediately after vape canisters made up of hashish oil were found in her baggage. The Phoenix Mercury standout and two-time Olympic gold medalist acknowledged in court docket this month that she had the canisters, but mentioned she experienced no intent to crack the regulation.

She faces up to 10 several years in jail if convicted. Her demo is scheduled to resume Tuesday.

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The Point out Department in Might designated Griner as wrongfully detained, transferring her situation beneath the supervision of its unique presidential envoy for hostage affairs - efficiently, the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia for drug possession. (WHD Photograph/Jim Heintz)

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated Thursday that the legalization of cannabis for health care and recreational use in parts of the U.S. has no bearing on what comes about in Russia.

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"If a U.S. citizen was taken in relationship with the reality that she was smuggling medications, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, neighborhood legal guidelines, and not with these adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington," Zakharova said.

"You recognize, if prescription drugs are legalized in the United States, in a range of states, and this is accomplished for a extensive time, and now the complete nation will develop into drug-addicted, this does not indicate that all other international locations are next the similar route," she extra.

Russian media have persistently speculated that Griner could be exchanged for distinguished Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, who is imprisoned in the United States, and that Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, may well also determine in an trade.

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U.S. officials have not commented on the potential customers for this sort of a trade. Russian officers have reported no exchange could be discussed until finally the summary of the lawful proceedings versus Griner. It is unclear how very long the trial will previous, but a court docket has licensed Griner's detention until finally Dec. 20.