U.S. authorities continue to press Russia for access to WNBA star Brittney Griner

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U.S. officials continue to press Russia for access to WNBA star Brittney Griner

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Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury is seen throughout the video game versus the Indiana Fever at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on September 6, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Michael Hickey|Getty Images

WASHINGTON– The State Department is still working to get access to WNBA star Brittney Griner after Russian authorities apprehended her on allegations of smuggling drugs into the nation a month back.

Griner’s arrest came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin bought an intrusion of Ukraine, triggering global reaction and a multitude of penalizing sanctions. The 31- year-old expert athlete has actually been implicated of smuggling hashish oil, a charge that brings approximately 10 years in jail.

Jalina Porter, primary deputy spokesperson for the State Department, informed press reporters on a call Friday that U.S. authorities are “closely engaged” on Griner’s case and are requiring “fair and transparent treatment” of American residents apprehended inRussia Porter decreased to offer more information when pushed by press reporters.

State Department representative Ned Price informed MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Thursday that the Biden administration is “deeply concerned” about Griner’s case.

“We have repeatedly asked for consular access to these detainees and have consistently been denied access. Russia must abide by its legal obligations and allow us to provide consular services for U.S. citizens detained in Russia,” Price stated.

“We’re going to continue to press for that, to continue to see to it that Russia lives up to its international obligations. All the while, we’re going to do everything we can to see to it that her rights are respected,” Price included.

On Thursday, an individual near the continuous scenario verified to NBC News that Griner was “OK” which her Russian legal group has actually satisfied her numerous times a week throughout the course of her detention.

The individual clarified that when a pretrial examination on Griner has actually concluded a trial date would be set.

If the examination is not completed by May 19, there will be another hearing to identify an extension. Griner’s demand to be moved to house arrest has actually been rejected.