The basketball player jailed in Russia accused of large-scale drug trafficking has denounced irregularities in the arrest process.
American basketball player and Olympic and world champion Brittney Grineraccused of possessing and smuggling drugs on a large scale, now admits his responsibility for possession of cartridges with less than one gram of cannabis of his possessions, but criticized the irregularities committed against him detention in Russia.
Griner appeared in court on Khimki in Moscowagain and again he takes responsibility for the facts: “I have no intention of introducing anything illegal, but what they found in my bags is my responsibility.”
The player, who reappeared sitting in a cell, emphasized that he uses cannabis as an analgesic to ease the pain in his knees, but never during competition.
He also admitted that he knew it was illegal to bring cannabis into Russian territory, but cited fatigue and the rush of packing as reasons.
“In my search myself I did not expect to see that preparation. I have no desire to violate any Russian law. I think I rushed it, I have not fully recovered (of covid-19), so’ I put everything in the bag”, commented. While adding that, despite recommendations from the United States not to travel to Russiahe did this so as not to miss the commitment to his team, the UMMC Yekaterinburg.
But he also pointed to an irregular behavior during the process of his arrest, at the airport of Sheremetvo, in Moscow. He denounced that last February airport officials and customs agents forced him to sign documents without explanation and whose content he did not know because they were written in Russian, without the presence of a lawyer .
He also made sure that, after he contacted his wife and agent in the US, took his mobile phone and did not read him his rights, then handcuffed him.
The trial will continue on August 2 with the questioning of the specialist who analyzed the cannabis found in Griner’s suitcases.
Source: EFE
Source: Tycsports
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