US reclassifies Brittney Griner as 'wrongfully detained' in Russia

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US President Joe Biden's administration has reclassified basketball star Brittney Griner as “wrongfully detained” by Russia, as Washington seeks to more aggressively seek her release, a State Department representative confirmed to The National on Tuesday.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities claimed they had discovered several cannabis oil vape cartridges.

She now faces charges that carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

The Biden administration has determined that Griner is being wrongfully detained in Russia, meaning the US will more aggressively work to secure her release. AP

Since her detention, US officials had said they were focused on ensuring she had access to American consular affairs officials while in jail.

The White House said last week that it had been in contact with her family “over the course of time”, but did not provide additional details.

“The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained US citizen Brittney Griner,” the representative told The National.

“The US government will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms Griner.”

The representative added that the safety and welfare of Americans abroad is of the highest priority.

It is unknown what prompted Griner's reclassification, but the Biden administration has been under pressure to secure her release after negotiating the return of former marine Trevor Reed last week.

ESPN first reported the news of Griner's new designation.

Roger Carstens, US special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, will lead a team to secure her release, ESPN reported.

Former US ambassador to the UN Bill