In May “[Boykov] believed the relatively short extension of the detention indicated the case would come to trial soon.” And on May 3rd the US government classified her detention as a “wrongful detainment.”
Until the designation, Griner’s case did not have a classification status from the US government. And the US was just waiting for the case to make its way through Russia’s legal system.
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens has since been tapped to lead the interagency team trying to secure Brittney Griner’s release.” According to CNN Carstens was the key diplomat who helped obtain the release of US citizen Trevor Reed from Russia.
After being detained in late February Griner was not able to talk to the US State Department until March 23. Spokesman Ned Price confirmed that someone from the US embassy “has been granted consular access” to Griner. And check on her.
“Our official found Brittney Griner to be in good condition, and we will continue to do everything we can to see to it that she is treated fairly throughout this ordeal,” Price said.
