Commenting on WNBA star Brittney Griner, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says U.S. prepared to provide ‘each attainable help’ to detained residents

Reacting to WNBA star Brittney Griner being detained in Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Sunday the USA will “present each attainable help” to residents who’re being held in overseas international locations.

“There’s solely a lot I can say given the privateness concerns at this level,” Blinken stated of Griner. “At any time when an American is detained anyplace on the planet, we in fact stand prepared to supply each attainable help, and that features in Russia.”

“Now we have an embassy group that is engaged on the circumstances of different Individuals who’re detained in Russia,” he added. “We’re doing all the things we are able to to see to it that their rights are upheld and revered.”

Blinken made his remarks at a joint information convention with Moldova president Maia Sandu.

Griner is being detained in Russia after customs officers stated they discovered cannabis oil in her baggage at an airport close to Moscow in February.

Like many WNBA gamers, Griner has lengthy performed abroad within the winter months, most lately in Russia.

The State Division issued a “don’t journey” advisory for Russia on Jan. 23 that warned Individuals towards touring to Russia due to “the potential for harassment towards U.S. residents, the embassy’s restricted potential to help U.S. residents in Russia, COVID-19 and associated entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian authorities safety officers, and the arbitrary enforcement of native legislation.”

One other “don’t journey” advisory was issued Saturday, 9 days after Russia started its navy invasion of Ukraine.

The 31-year-old Griner has performed 9 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, who misplaced within the WNBA Finals in October to the Chicago Sky. She gained a championship with the Mercury in 2014 and gold medals with the USA on the Olympics in 2016 and 2021.

Data from Reuters was used on this report.