Crimean Tatars: UN Experts Call for Release of Oleg Sentsov
On 15 August 2018, experts at the UN demanded the release of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who marked his 75thday of hunger strike on 1 August. Experts are concerned about Oleg Sentsov’s physical and mental conditions. Sentsov has been a blunt critic of Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea and of unlawful detention of 64 Ukrainians, which criticism led to his arrest and current conviction.
The article below was published byUnited Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner
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.
Photo courtesy of Steve Eason @ Flickr
