(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 01 - The trial in Moscow of US basketball star Brittney Griner for drug smuggling begins.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed any political motivation behind the arrest of the Olympic champion.
"This cannot be politically motivated," Peskov said during a press briefing in response to a question on the subject, Interfax reported.
Griner was arrested at Sheremetyevo airport on February 17 on drug possession charges after vaporizer cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage.
The US State Department has repeatedly stated that Griner is "unjustly detained".
The Russian justice had extended the precautionary custody of the 31-year-old champion, the last time until 2 July.
If she is convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.
(HANDLE).
