US Representative Colin Allred says Brittney Griner case is ‘extremely concerning’ ​and that her consular access ​has been blocked

“For Brittney’s sake, we do not need her to turn into part of this sort of political battle that is occurring, and we wish to ensure that her rights are revered and that we’re in a position to get entry to her, and that she will get by means of the method and get house as shortly as potential,” Allred instructed CNN on Thursday.

Allred mentioned Griner has been in touch along with her Russian lawyer, who’s in contact along with her agent and her household again house.

“So we do know that she’s okay,” Allred mentioned, including that he is additionally been in touch with the participant’s agent.

CNN has reached out to Russian officers and the US Embassy in Moscow for touch upon Griner’s consular entry however has not heard again.

“They need to simply know that our authorities, the State Division, of us like myself in Congress on the International Affairs Committee, we’re gonna do every thing we will to get her house, to get every other American who’s been detained unjustly house​,” Allred mentioned, talking in regards to the households of Individuals who’re in state custody.

The US State Division has been “working very diligently” on Griner’s case, spokesperson Ned Value mentioned at a Friday briefing.

“We have been in shut contact with these round her, offering all types of applicable help and can proceed to try this,” he mentioned, however declined to supply additional particulars.

Griner’s whereabouts aren’t publicly recognized. CNN has reached out to the Russian International Ministry for remark however has not heard again.

“Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent in the mean time,” Democratic Rep. John Garamendi of California instructed CNN on Monday.

“Maybe through the numerous negotiations which will happen, she would possibly be capable to be one of many options. I do not know.”

He additionally famous that “Russia has some very, very strict LGBT guidelines and legal guidelines” — although it is not clear whether or not these guidelines and legal guidelines would possibly impression Griner’s case.

Russia has handed LGBTQ-related laws and outlawed the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations round minors.”

“Individuals say ‘keep busy.’ But, there’s not a activity on this world that might maintain any of us from worrying about you. My coronary heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats on a regular basis that goes by,” Cherelle Griner posted Monday.

“There aren’t any phrases to precise this ache. I am hurting, we’re hurting.”

Over the weekend, she thanked supporters and requested for privateness “as we proceed to work on getting my spouse house safely.”