MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry says a woman who was detained in the United States on charges of being a Russian agent is a political prisoner and must be released promptly.
The Russian government previously objected to Maria Butina’s arrest this month, but its characterization of her as a political prisoner on Thursday raises the level of complaint.
The 29-year-old Butina has been accused of working to infiltrate the National Rifle Association and other U.S. political organizations before and after President Donald Trump’s election.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Artem Kozhin said at a briefing: “Her arrest is motivated solely by the motives of the U.S. domestic and foreign policy, and therefore she is a political prisoner.”
The U.S. government has often criticized Russia for allegedly holding political prisoners.
Interesting move. I’m anxious to hear what Trump has to say - or what Putin has told him to say.
Vladimir Putin wants to talk about “political prisoners”?
“Her arrest is motivated solely by the motives of the U.S. domestic and foreign policy, and therefore she is a political prisoner.” yes, most countries domestic and foreign policy frown on espionage.
Sorry dude, Mariiiiia Butina didn’t have diplomatic immunity, and we don’t give spies a pass in any case, so go fuck yourself.
Yeah, riiiight. As Al Sharpton would say, “We gotcha”.
Members of the Russian punk group, Pussy Riot.