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

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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 sometime in February 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 

United States' Brittney Griner grabs a rebound at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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 spokesperson also confirmed the U.S.’ stance to ESPN. 

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with fans following Game Two of the 2021