Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury is seen during a game against Indiana Fever at the Indiana Farm Coliseum on September 6, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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WASHINGTON – The State Department is still working to reach WNBA star Brittney Griner after Russian officials arrested her for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country a month ago.
Griner was arrested a few days after the President of Russia Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, prompting an international backlash and a series of punitive sanctions. The 31-year-old professional athlete has been charged with smuggling hash oil, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Jalina Porter, the State Department’s principal deputy spokeswoman, told reporters on a call Friday that US officials are “closely engaged” in Griner’s case and are calling for “fair treatment”. fairness and transparency” for American citizens detained in Russia. Porter declined to provide more details when pressed by reporters.
State Department spokesman Ned Price told MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Thursday that the Biden administration is “deeply concerned” about Griner’s case.
“We have repeatedly requested consular access to these detainees and have been repeatedly denied access. Russia must comply with its legal obligations and allow us to provide consular services. for American citizens detained in Russia,” Price said.
“We will continue to emphasize that, to continue to see that Russia is always in compliance with its international obligations. In the meantime, we will do everything we can to see that her rights are respected. important, “Price added.
On Thursday, a person close to the ongoing situation confirmed to NBC News that Griner was “fine” and that her Russian legal team met with her several times a week during her detention.
The person clarified that after the pre-trial investigation into Griner is over, a trial date will be set.
If the investigation is not closed by May 19, there will be another hearing to determine the extension. Griner’s request to be transferred to house arrest was denied.
