Critics have been sounding off as fears continue to grow for WNBA star Brittney Griner as she has been detained in Russia over drug allegations. Russian customs officials said Griner had vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Here’s what you need to know.
The two-time Olympic champion has been detained by Russian customs authorities, who claim they discovered vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. The arrest took place last month and the 31-year-old faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of bringing drugs into Russia. The customs service released video of an individual who appears to be the 6-foot-9 Griner going through airport security.
Critics Sound Off Over Brittney Griner’s Arrest In Russia: Will She Make It Back Home?
The State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory for Russia on Jan. 23 that warned Americans against traveling to Russia because of “the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.”
That said, another “do not travel” advisory was issued Saturday, nine days after Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine.
Of course, it hasn’t taken long at all for Twitter to do what it does best and that’s weigh in on the matter with differing opinions.
Some comments have included, “I have not seen video that supposedly shows somebody pulling an item from Britney’s luggage or backpack. The current catastrophic situation in Europe could easily be a ‘plant job’ on Britney, who has played in Russia since 2015. She knows the score. And it is fair to assert she would not risk detention in Russia by brazenly carrying hashish oil or any banned substance,” along with, “Definitely should have known better, with the Ukrainian invasion essentially waiting in the on deck circle. Irrelevant if you are carrying contraband or not – whether that’s even true is questionable. Clearly following the law is not something Putin is concerned with. Surprised the US would not have advised her to stay put.”
Another critic added, “What is there to say if she was dumb enough to try to sneak hash cartridges through customs? She should not expect special treatment by the State Dept – but is lucky to have the NBA to monitor. Greiner has a history of poor judgment – and has been pardoned because of her abilities – so it’s likely that she brought this problem on herself.”
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