As U.S. officials say they’ve not spoken to Brittney Griner since her arrest in Moscow on February 17 on drug charges, a State Department official said in a statement Thursday, “We insist the Russian government provide consular access to all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia, including those in pre-trial detention, as Brittney Griner is.”
The statement marks a change in tune from the government with regards to the basketball star, as it had kept a tight wrap on the case so as not to make her a bargaining chip with Russia.
Despite this, a source close to Griner says, “We know she’s ok.”
“I wouldn’t say she’s ‘good,’ but she’s ok,” the source added.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Griner, accused of bringing marijuana vape cartridges into Russia, had a court hearing Wednesday during which prosecutors were granted an extension until May 19 for a pre-trial investigation. While it shocked some, the move was expected.
“We are closely engaged on this case and in frequent contact with Brittney Griner’s legal team,” the State Department statement said. “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. We take our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens seriously, and we will continue to press for fair and transparent treatment for all U.S. citizens when they are subject to legal processes overseas.”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…
https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…
Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…
Reporters asked quarterback Aaron Rodgers if he intended to return to the New York Jets…