Topline
Over two weeks after WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Russia in February on drug charges, state department spokesperson Ned Price said the U.S. had finally gained consular access to her in pre-trial detention, saying only she was in “good condition.”
Brittney Griner #15 of Team United States reacts during the first half of the Women’s Basketball … [+]
Key Facts
While speaking on CNN, Price said an official from the U.S. embassy was granted access to Griner on Wednesday and was able to “check on her condition” and will continue to work closely with her legal team “to see that she is treated fairly.”
Price said Griner was in “good condition” but could not give detailed information.
The U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday over President Biden’s sharp comments about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, during which Sullivan demanded consular access to all Americans detained in the country—which is required under international law—including Griner.
Key Background
The athlete, who was in Russia to play for a team there during her offseason, was arrested at an airport in February after vape cartridges containing hash oil were allegedly discovered in her luggage, though her detainment was not publicly reported until March 5. The charges carry up to 10 years in jail. Russia extended Griner’s detention in the country until May on Thursday. Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of a Russian prison oversight body, claimed Thursday the members from the U.S. consulate had not yet visited Griner in prison despite their readiness to “create all conditions” to make it happen, though Price said the same day the U.S. had not been granted access to her. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Friday the U.S. was being denied access to Griner. A source close to the situation told Forbes last week that Griner has met with her Russian legal team several times.
Further Reading
U.S. Pushes For Consular Access To WNBA Player Brittney Griner (Forbes)
WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Detention In Russia Reportedly Extended Until May (Forbes)
WNBA Player Brittney Griner Reportedly Detained In Russia On Drug Charges (Forbes)
Why It Seems Like The World Has Abandoned Brittney Griner (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/03/23/brittney-griner-in-good-condition-us-reports-after-finally-visiting-with-wnba-star/