Russian authorities arrested Griner final month, saying she had hashish oil in her baggage and accused her of smuggling important quantities of a narcotic substance — an offense punishable by as much as 10 years in jail.

Talking to CNN’s Don Lemon, the Texas congressman stated the US Embassy has requested consular entry to her however has been denied for 3 weeks.

Allred acknowledged that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine looms “over the complete subject” of getting Griner again to the US.

“For Brittney’s sake, we do not need her to change into part of this type of political battle that is occurring, and we wish to make it possible for her rights are revered and that we’re capable of get entry to her, and that she will get by means of the method and get house as rapidly as doable,” Allred informed CNN on Thursday.

Allred stated Griner has been involved together with her Russian lawyer, who’s in contact together with her agent and her household again house.

“So we do know that she’s okay,” Allred stated, including that he is additionally been involved with the participant’s agent.

CNN has reached out to Russian officers and the US Embassy in Moscow for touch upon Griner’s consular entry however has not heard again.

“They need to simply know that our authorities, the State Division, of us like myself in Congress on the International Affairs Committee, we’re gonna do the whole lot we will to get her house, to get every other American who’s been detained unjustly house​,” Allred stated, talking concerning the households of Individuals who’re in state custody.

The US State Division has been “working very diligently” on Griner’s case, spokesperson Ned Worth stated at a Friday briefing.

“We have been in shut contact with these round her, offering all types of acceptable assist and can proceed to do this,” he stated, however declined to supply additional particulars.

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Brittney Griner poses for photographs with her gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Griner’s whereabouts aren’t publicly identified. CNN has reached out to the Russian International Ministry for remark however has not heard again.

A member of the US Home Armed Companies Committee stated this week that it is going to be “very troublesome” to get Griner out of Russia as issues stand.

“Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent in the meanwhile,” Democratic Rep. John Garamendi of California informed CNN on Monday.

“Maybe through the varied negotiations that will happen, she would possibly have the ability to be one of many options. I do not know.”

He additionally famous that “Russia has some very, very strict LGBT guidelines and legal guidelines” — although it is not clear whether or not these guidelines and legal guidelines would possibly influence Griner’s case.

Russia has handed LGBTQ-related laws and outlawed the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations round minors.”

In an Instagram put up, Griner’s spouse described the agony of ready.

“Individuals say ‘keep busy.’ But, there’s not a job on this world that might preserve any of us from worrying about you. My coronary heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats on a regular basis that goes by,” Cherelle Griner posted Monday.

“There are not any phrases to precise this ache. I am hurting, we’re hurting.”

Over the weekend, she thanked supporters and requested for privateness “as we proceed to work on getting my spouse house safely.”

CNN’s Melissa Alonso, Lucy Kafanov, Wayne Sterling, Rosa Flores, Lisa France, Chris Boyette and Chenelle Woody contributed to this report.