ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After being held for 76 days in Russia, a University of Missouri graduate student is free to return to the United States.
Contraband charges against her in Russia have been dropped.
Roxana Contreras was found guilty of a charge related to purchasing military medals. She has been fined the U-S equivalent of about $600.
Her thesis adviser, Sonya Bahar, says the 29-year-old Chilean citizen is both thrilled and exhausted.
Previous stories:
Missouri grad student tried in Russia on smuggling charge
UMSL grad student held in Russia may soon be released
UMSL student trapped in Russia after war medals are found in luggage
Contreras was visiting friends in Russia in June, after attending a conference in Germany.
Contreras bought some military medals, currency and coins for $66 from a street vendor. When she tried to leave the country, she was told the items were considered contraband by Russian authorities.
For other links to press releases and things, go here: http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/ ... 629fb.html
This caused a bit of a local stir, since UMSL is a college near me. The poor girl...
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