GENEVA (15 August 2018) – UN experts called on Russian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Oleg Sentsov while expressing grave concern for his physical and mental integrity.
Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker and outspoken critic of the Russian occupation of Crimea was arrested by Russian authorities in May 2014 and convicted to 20 years imprisonment in a Russian prison, as a Russian citizen, on charges of terrorism. He went on hunger strike three months ago to protest what he believes is the politically-motivated incarceration of 64 Ukrainians in Russian prisons.
The experts called on Russian authorities to ensure that Mr. Sentsov is immediately provided with access to appropriate medical treatment, based on his full and informed consent.
“Sentsov’s life is in imminent danger. His hunger strike follows a trial and a conviction that has fallen short of international law. We urge Russian authorities to unconditionally release him as a matter of urgency,” the experts said.
The experts are in contact with Russian authorities about this case.
ENDS
The experts: Mr. David Kaye, as UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health; and Mr. Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.