Brittney Griner's transfer to a Russian penal colony began Friday, but her attorneys and U.S. officials were not aware she had been moved until Tuesday. Her exact whereabouts might not be known for weeks.
"Every minute that Brittney Griner must endure wrongful detention in Russia is a minute too long," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement early Wednesday morning."As the Administration continues to work tirelessly to secure her release, the President has directed the Administration to prevail on her Russian captors to improve her treatment and the conditions she may be forced to endure in a penal colony.
Colas said her team remains in"close contact" with the U.S. government and the Richardson Center, a private organization run by Bill Richardson that works to bring detained Americans home. Both the State Department and Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations,"are using all available resources to determine her whereabouts, ensure her safety and bring her home," Colas said.
Griner's last contact with anyone from outside the jail was Thursday when U.S. embassy officials were able to visit her. She last saw her attorneys the day before.Griner pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges in July. U.S. officials declared in May that Griner was being wrongfully detained and have called her trial and appeal political theater. After an appeals court upheld her conviction two weeks ago, U.S.
"In the subsequent weeks, despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. Government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels," the statement read."The U.S. Government is unwavering in its commitment to its work on behalf of Brittney and other Americans detained in Russia -- including fellow wrongful detainee Paul Whelan.
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