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

U.S. State Department officials say they’re still working to get access to WNBA star Brittney Griner amid her extended detention in Russia. 

Russian news agency TASS reported Thursday that a petition to extend the detention of the 31-year-old All-Star until May 19 was granted by a court in Moscow as an investigation into her alleged crimes continues. 

Griner was arrested last month after security officials at an airport reportedly found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis.

A member of Russia’s Public Monitoring Commission (POC) told the outlet that a representative from the U.S. consulate has not visited Griner despite “the administration of the pre-trial detention center is ready to create all conditions for his visit,” according to a translation.

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

But a spokesperson for the State Department told Reuters late Thursday that officials were still working on getting access to all U.S. citizens detained in Russia, including those in pre-trial detention – like Griner. 

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

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A State Department spokesperson also confirmed the U.S.’ claim to ESPN. 

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with fans following Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on Oct. 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.  
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“We insist the Russian government provide consular access to all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia, including those in pre-trial…