Russia Accuses US of Disrespecting Russian Law in Brittney Griner Case as Stephen Curry, Others Call for Her Release

Russia on Thursday accused the United States of disrespecting its laws after U.S. officials said WNBA star Brittney Griner was "wrongfully detained" in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the U.S. classifying Griner as a "wrongfully detained" citizen showed blatant disrespect for Russian law.

The Yahoo Sports reported that Zakharova spoke out against the U.S. in the Griner case a day after the Phoenix Mercury star was front and center at the ESPYs.

According to Associated Press, Zakharova noted that even though marijuana is legal in some parts of the U.S. for medical and recreational use, it does not matter in Russia.

"If drugs are legalized in the United States, in a number of states... this does not mean that all other countries are following the same path," she said.

Zakharova added that if a U.S. citizen like Griner was arrested in Russia because she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with Russian laws "and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington."

Griner has been held in Russia since February and is currently on trial on drug charges. Authorities in Russia claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage.

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) star has pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting that she had the vape cartridges. However, she noted that she did not intend to break the law.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is reportedly working to secure her release after the U.S. government has declared Brittney Griner a "wrongfully detained" citizen. According to reports, Russia is willing to exchange the WNBA star for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Stephen Curry, Other Athletes Call on Brittney Griner's Release at ESPYs

Several American athletes have called for the release of Brittney Griner. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was among them.

Curry seized the opportunity to speak about the issue as he hosted ESPN's annual awards show at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. He urged the entire global sports community to continue to stay energized on Griner's behalf and hope for the best.

The NBA star noted that Griner was not just a member of the Phoenix Mercury, her team in Russia, and an olympian. Stephen Curry said: "She's one of us, the team of athletes in this room tonight and all over the world. A team that has nothing to do with politics or global conflict."

During the show, WNBA player Skylar Diggins-Smith also voiced out her thoughts about the Griner's case. Diggins-Smith said it had been more than 150 days since Griner had been "wrongfully detained thousands of miles away from home," her family, friends, and her team,

"All throughout that time, we've kept her in our thoughts and in our hearts even though we know that ain't nearly enough to bring her home, y'all," she added.

United States women's national soccer team (USWNT) star Megan Rapinoe, who gained the ESPY for Best Play, had also spoken out.

Rapinoe noted that every time Griner's name is mentioned on social media and in interviews, it puts pressure on the Biden administration and Russia.

She said it will also let Griner know that many people love her and miss her. Rapinoe added: We're doing every single thing we can to get her out because that's the most important thing."

Joe Biden on WNBA Star Brittney Griner's Arrest

Earlier in the week, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that would impose sanctions and other measures regarding the illegal detention of Americans abroad.

The executive order aimed to deter and punish wrongful detention of U.S. citizens abroad. The move was announced amid rising pressure on Biden from families of hostages and detainees.

Brittney Griner's case has shed light on the illegal detention of Americans abroad. Another prominent case of a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained abroad was former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed.

Reed was recently released through a prisoner swap with Russia amid sour relations between the two countries over the war in Ukraine. Biden was lauded for managing to bring Reed home. However, he recently received criticism on the case of Griner.

The Biden administration said Griner's case is still a priority. Top officials also said they believe the two-time Olympic gold medalist is being wrongfully held in Russia.

Biden described to Congress on signing the executive order that the illegal detention of U.S. citizens was "heinous acts that undermine the rule of law."

He added that it constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the country's national security, economy, and foreign policy.

Brittney Griner's drug possession charge in Russia carries a 10-year maximum prison sentence. She has appealed directly to the president to bring her back home to the U.S.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Senate Resolution Drafted by Sen. Cornyn Calls for Brittney Griner's Release From Russia - From KHOU 11