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Arizona Senators introduce resolution calling for Brittney Griner's release

Russian spokeswoman says “wrongful detention” classification shows disrespect for Russian law
APTOPIX Russia Griner Trial
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TUCSON, Ariz. — Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly introduced a Senate Resolution Thursday calling for WNBA star Brittney Griner's release from Russian detention.

House Resolution 1132 calling for Griner's immediate release, came earlier this year, introduced Wednesday, May 18, by Rep. Greg Stanton (D-9) of Arizona.

“Arizonans have love and admiration for Brittney Griner both on and off the court," said Sen. Sinema. "The Department of State has determined that Brittney was wrongfully detained – it’s past time for her to come home.”

The Resolution cites Griner's contributions to the state of Arizona through charity work, her homeless outreach and her leadership within the LGBTQ+ community.

Griner's request for bail and house arrest have been denied by a Russian court, and her next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26.

APTOPIX Russia Griner Trial
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner holds up a photo of players from the recent all star game wearing her number, sitting in a cage at a court room prior to a hearing in the Khimki district court, just outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 15, 2022. Griner was arrested in February at the Russian capital's Sheremetyevo Airport when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She has been jailed since then, facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry lashed out Thursday at the United States characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner's jailing on drug charges as “wrongful detention,” saying it shows disrespect for Russian law.

The State Department in May designated Griner as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs - effectively, the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. has no bearing on what happens in Russia.

“If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington,” Zakharova said.

Sen. Kelly says he has worked with the State Department to prioritize Griner's release, and says the bipartisan resolution introduced Thursday provides evidence of the Senate's support.

“The Russian government unjustly detained Brittney and we will keep working with the administration to ensure her safe and swift return,” Kelly said.

Brittney Griner
A visitor walks down an alley past a mural depicting WNBA star Brittney Griner, top left, and other American hostages and wrongful detainees who are being held abroad, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Another group lending visibility to Griner's cause—the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, who unveiled a mural in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, July 20, featuring Griner and other Americans currently detained overseas.

The group is using its platforms to call on President Biden and members of Congress to advocate for the return of these individuals to the U.S.

"There are over 64 innocent Americans being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. They are being held largely because they are Americans - not for any other reason. It could easily be you or your loved one," the organization's website says.

RELATED: WNBA star Brittney Griner on everyone's mind at ESPYs

Brittney Griner's next court date in Russia scheduled for July 26

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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.