Brittney Griner’s Russia detention: US State Department ‘consistently denied access’

U.S. State Division officers say they’re nonetheless working to get entry to WNBA star Brittney Griner amid her prolonged detention in Russia. 

Russian information company TASS reported Thursday {that a} petition to increase the detention of the 31-year-old All-Star till Could 19 was granted by a court docket in Moscow as an investigation into her alleged crimes continues. 

Griner was arrested final month after safety officers at an airport reportedly discovered vape cartridges containing oil derived from hashish.

A member of Russia’s Public Monitoring Fee (POC) instructed the outlet {that a} consultant from the U.S. consulate has not visited Griner regardless of “the administration of the pre-trial detention heart is able to create all situations for his go to,” based on a translation.

BRITTNEY GRINER’S RUSSIA DETENTION EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 19, REPORT SAYS 

However a spokesperson for the State Division instructed Reuters late Thursday that officers had been nonetheless engaged on gaining access to all U.S. residents detained in Russia, together with these in pre-trial detention – like Griner. 

“We have now repeatedly requested for consular entry to those detainees and have constantly been denied entry,” the spokesperson stated. “Russia should abide by its authorized obligations and permit us to offer consular companies for U.S. residents detained in Russia.”

A State Division spokesperson additionally confirmed the U.S.’ declare to ESPN. 

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with followers following Sport Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Heart on Oct. 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.  
(Christian Petersen/Getty Photos)

“We insist the Russian authorities present consular entry to all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia, together with these in pre-trial detention, as Brittney Griner is.”

A supply near the scenario instructed Fox Information Digital that Griner has been “OK” and her Russian authorized staff has been capable of get entry to her a number of occasions per week since she was first detained. 

The WNBA stated in an announcement that the league was working carefully with authorities officers to make sure her swift and secure return residence. 

“This continues to be a fancy scenario that’s extraordinarily tough for Brittney, her household, and all who’re hoping for a swift decision,” the assertion stated, by way of Reuters. “Our primary precedence stays her secure return.”

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury in the course of the first half in Sport 4 of the 2021 WNBA semifinals at Footprint Heart on Oct. 6, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen/Getty Photos)

“In shut collaboration with U.S. authorities companies, elected officers, people and organizations with experience in these issues, and Brittney Griner’s representatives and household, we proceed to work diligently to get her safely residence to the USA.”

The precise date of Griner’s arrest is unknown but it surely was introduced days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If convicted, she may withstand 10 years in jail.