Call to release Brittney Griner escalate prior to WNBA star trial in Russia

Brittney Griner's friends and familygatheredfor a rally outside the Russian Consulate in New York City on Wednesday night, prior to a trial in Russia. I asked for the release of the WNBA star. ..

"February 17th was the last time I talked to her sister," Grinner's childhood friend Janelroy said on alert. "I'm not in touch with her, I couldn't talk to her, and it hurts."

Greener puts an arc cartridge containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia. After being accused of having it, he was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia on February 17.

Grinner's detention in Russia has been repeatedly extended, most recently until December 20, the expected period of her trial. If convicted of her, 31-year-old Greener faces up to 10 years in prison.

Phoenix Mercury's trial is set to begin on Friday and she is expected to remain in custody forever.

A WNBA star who attended a preliminary hearing on Monday in Khimki, a suburb of Moscow, did not answer the ABC News reporter's question when he left the courtroom.

When asked how Greener felt at her hearing, her lawyer, Alexander Boykov, told ABC News on Monday that "she is as fine as she can."

The US government has classified Grinner's proceedings on May 3 as "unjustly detained." }

"The fact remains that the US government has determined that Brittney Griner has been illegally detained and used as a political pawn," said Lindsay Kagawa, Griner's agent. Chorus,wrotein the series, "Regardless of legal proceedings, negotiations for her immediate release remain a top priority, with [President Joe Biden] and [Vice President Kamala Harris]. ] Is now hoping to do everything with their power. A deal made to take her home. "

White House National Security Assistant Jake Sullivan Griner told reporters on Tuesday that he was "unfairly detained" and called on the Russian government to release an American basketball star.

Sullivan is also Grinner in the United States He emphasized that he was "actively involved" in ensuring his release, but added that diplomatic efforts were a "sensitive issue."

"But I tell you that we are paying the utmost attention to the President and all senior members of his national security and diplomatic team. We are trying to find a solution to this case. We are actively working on this and will continue to do so, so we will not rest until Britney returns home safely, "he said. "We are also actively working to return all unjustly detained Americans and hostages detained abroad, whether in Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, Venezuela, China or elsewhere.

6ft-9 Center won the NCAA title at Baylor in 2012 and the WNBA title with the current team Phoenix in 2014, 2016 and 2020. Won a gold medal with the American women's team at the Olympic Games of the Year.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has begun A week after Grinner's detention, some officials say that Americans imprisoned in Russia can be used as a lever for ongoing conflicts. I am concerned that there is sex.

4 Calls to release Greener escalated after Trevor Reed, a US Navy Venezuelan released from Russian prison in April, was released. Prisoner exchange. Former Marine Paul Whelan has also been detained in Russia since 2019, according to Russian media reports. There has been substantial movement on this issue. Russian officials have also said they would like Grinner to go to trial.

Grinner's wife, Sherel Grinner, told AP that she has a"Zero Trust"in the United States. The government after the State Department has dealt with the detention of her wife after confusing the planned anniversary phone call between the couple.

White House spokesman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that Brittney Griner's failure to contact his wife was an "unfortunate mistake" and another call was scheduled. He added that he was.

It would have been the first time to talk to her wife since Brittney Griner was detained more than three months ago.

" This is an unfortunate mistake, and the State Department is working to correct it as quickly as possible, "Jean Pierre said, adding that another phone call between the couple is planned. It is unknown if the call was made. Cherelle Griner had previously told"Good Morning America" ​​co-anchor Robin Roberts that he would like to talk to President Joe Biden in May.

"I hear he has power. She's a political pawn," she said. "So if they're hugging her because they want you to do something, I want you to do it."

Cherelle Griner and President Biden Asked about potential meetings between, Jean-Pierre said, "There is nothing to share about potential telephone conversations and meetings."

ABC News's Tanya Stukalova and Molly Nagle contributed to this report.