Peninsula fear. Human rights activists arrested to help Russia to Ukrainians

You can fight ammunition, guns, tanks, and you can – the people, turning them into an instrument of struggle. It is possible – those who spit on international law, laws and conventions.

So how does the Kremlin’s state machine with respect to the citizens of Ukraine, cynically breaking the fate of those who because of their beliefs or simply by coincidence, fell under her press in Russia or in the “pushed out” Crimea. And if the international mission “did not notice” the system of human rights violations Russia, we have to loudly remind them about it. Him and Me. Without succumbing to the temptation to make someone a hero of the prisoners and to build on a pedestal, thereby pushing in the shadow of others. Everyone has the right to be protected, irrespective of whether he makes a loud political statements.

“The public is the catalyst that does not relax the authorities”, – explains activist euromaidan the SOS, a human rights activist of the Center for Civil Liberties, a journalist and coordinator of the campaign Let My People Go Maria Tomak, which deals with the Ukrainians illegally detained in prisons in the Russian Federation and the occupied Crimea. Journalist edition of “Mirror of the week. Ukraine” met with human rights activist, as soon as she returned from Rostov, where he was once the trial concluded Ukrainian citizens.

– Maria is generally originated the idea of ​​the campaign Let My People Go?

– This story began in the summer of 2014, when we turned in euromaidan SOS parents Lviv student Yuri Yatsenko. He was illegally detained in a detention center for illegal migrants in Russia.

Yuri was arrested in May 2014 during a raid on the verification of documents. The police, seeing that it was “banderovets of Lviv”, caused by the FSB.

First Yuri was accused that he was wrong to have the migration card the purpose of the visit. Despite the court’s decision to fine and expulsion from the country, Yatsenko six months held in the detention center for illegal migrants. Then, from somewhere came the charge of illegal possession and transportation of gunpowder – not any of TNT, and substances which treatment is not superzaregulirovannym in Russia. George, like many Ukrainians prisoners were questioned about the “right sector”, on the Maidan. Used terrible torture – were taken to the woods, beaten. At first he was not even allowed to inform the relatives where he is. For them, he just disappeared. And to be able to let the world know where he was and what was happening to him, Yatsenko had cut their hands and stomach. It had to send to the hospital, and from there he was able to tell the family what had happened to him.

This case, of course, did not have the level of Minister or Hope Savchenko Oleg Sentsova, but it demonstrated that in Russia there is an ideological propaganda hysteria. It’s not the Yurii Yatsenko personally. He was detained on the background of the injection of anti-Ukrainian rhetoric about the junta and Bandera. And the employees of the Russian law enforcement agencies, perhaps sincerely believed that a student of Lviv – the saboteur. Yuri tried to persuade to give an interview to Russian media and tell them what it sent Nalyvaychenko (then head of the Security Service) to arrange a diversion. Then he bowed to cooperate, but he did not do it. We have made that Yuri was an independent, not a state-appointed lawyer – Peter Zaikin, who defended Mariyu Alehinu of Pussy Riot. The story ended happy ending: a year ago, Yuri released. Initially sentenced to two years in prison,

– How many prisoners Ukrainians now in Russian prisons?

– We have information about 29 political prisoners, 14 people are in the Russian Federation and 15 – in the occupied Crimea. I would also like to mention the residents of the Crimea, who has not been detained, but are hostages. For example, our colleague journalist Nikolai seeds. He is now under house arrest, the investigation against him continues, in fact, for his journalistic activities. And the journalist and his family called in for questioning. There are still some people among the Crimean Tatars, who are both figures of the so-called “case of February 26” (when under the Crimean parliament walls of people gathered at the action in order not to give the Parliament to appoint a referendum) and “business May 3” (meeting Mustafy Dzhemileva Crimean Tatars the cordon with mainland Ukraine). They are not detained, but received suspended sentences or bailed. Under house arrest it is also one of the leaders of the Majlis – Ilm dead.

– Klyh, Sentsov, Savchenko Kol’chenko, Karpyuk, Soloshenko Afanasiev – here, perhaps, and all the names of known masses. On the other almost unheard. Why, in your opinion, the fact of conclusion about some people rises a lot of noise, but around the other – no? These are some special cases or just a coincidence?

– There are a few moments. Indeed, the case of Hope Savchenko was resonant, because the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian activists and the “Fatherland”, and sister Hope, and world politicians have invested in a lot of resources – media and advocacy. But this does not mean that other things are not so brutal and falsified. In many cases, the detained Ukrainians applies awful violence, violated their fundamental rights. Therefore our aim – to emphasize that there is a whole list of prisoners whose release should require the Ukrainian side is that if in the course of the Minsk process, or at other sites. One of the tasks of the campaign Let My People Go – to unite all these people under one “umbrella” that no one in the end not be forgotten.

When we started to deal with the case of Nicholas and Stanislaw Karpyuk Klyha it was not known whether they are alive. The number one task was to find these people and make their case entered Russian independent lawyers, and not those who will appoint the Russian state. Us with the Helsinki Union was able to find these lawyers, in particular, and with the help of Russian human rights activists.

It is independent Russian lawyers Dokka Itslaev and Marina Dubrovin found Klyha and Karpyuk. The first thing that made Stanislav and Nicholas after the appearance of their independent advocates, – written statements to the effect that their statements had been extracted under torture.

– Did you go to the courts? What is the situation there now?

– I went to court as a witness in March. Make it asked me protection. At the time of the court, we have long collected information on Nicholas and Stanislaw, spoke with so many witnesses who confirmed the alibi Karpyuk. But almost none of them was able to testify in court in person, because one way or another participated in the activities of the “right sector” or UNA-UNSO, which Russia banned as extremist. That is, the arrival of the witnesses in the Russian Federation, almost automatically meant their arrest.

Protection has asked me to speak in court and present information about the alibi Nikolaya Karpyuka, which I was able to gather as a human rights defender. But the judge did not let me speak, “Who is it in general such?” The court questioned me about what UNA-UNSO. Of course, because I tried to pull some evidence that the organization is extremist and delegated its members to the Chechen war. It was quite difficult to counter this psychological pressure. Prosecutors have repeatedly asked me: “Are you a member of the UNA-UNSO?” I explained that I am not a member of the organization that I am – a human rights activist.

Presiding Judge Ismayilov line behavior struck me as a human. In recent years I have seen a lot of judges – from the affairs of the Maidan and to boats against the current berkutovtsy. But such a rude attitude to the defenders and witnesses, such rudeness me anywhere not have to see. What is interesting: after the completion of this process, the judge issued a separate ruling, which he accused independent lawyers Itslaeva Doku and Marina Dubrovin in violation of legal ethics and asked the lawyer chambers, to which they belong, to evaluate their behavior. That in the future may mean the denial of their right to be lawyers. Undoubtedly, this is a manifestation of pressure and retaliation defenders for their work.

– They can retreat?

– Anything can happen. Especially that Chechnya – the region is very special, even within Russia, where there are no rules. We managed to meet with his Russian counterpart – the head of the working in the Caucasus human rights organization “The Committee to combat torture” – human rights activist Igor Kalyapin. This man, in fact, – a personal enemy of Kadyrov. Just in front of me there was an attack on him. The door of the room in which he lived, Igor, the hotel staff knocked and said, “We ask you to leave.” Explained by the fact that the human rights activist criticized the head of the republic. This conversation I recorded on video. And on the threshold of the hotel by Igor attacked. People in masks (one might say – titushky) pelted him with eggs, dough, green paint.

– Have you talked to Karpyuk and Klyhom?

– No, this possibility I had not. But with Nikolai Karpyuk I was pretty emotional correspondence. He asked us to do anything to protect lawyers from the pressure.

Stanislav Klyhom communication was not due to objective reasons – due to the torture he had serious mental problems. About it now says his lawyer. Before his arrest in Russia Stanislav have never had such problems, he was nowhere to be registered. On the contrary, he graduated from the history faculty of KNU. Shevchenko, he taught history. Klyha most tortured, it broke three months. The lawyer suggests that the used and psychotropic substances. Stanislav body is covered with dozens of scars. Its hung, beat electrocution. And yet dislodged evidence on participation in the Chechen war (and his, and Karpyuk and Yatsenyuk), although we have evidence of an alibi. Not Klyh gave this testimony, but he confirmed them under torture. Nicholas also tortured, threatened to kidnap and bring to Russia his family.

Russian justice completely rejected the defense’s attempts to obtain an independent psychiatric examination Stanislaus Klyha. patient examination was conducted in Grozny. Conclusion – Klyh absolutely healthy. This is understandable: if we recognize mental disorder, his testimony lose meaning, and then fall apart. Therefore, despite the presence of two very important documents (conclusions of the independent Russian and British psychiatrists about the urgent need for surveys) sent to court protection, no surveys have been conducted. This is yet another violation of the Russian justice of fundamental human rights. Cynicism Russian law enforcement system manifested in the fact that its representatives not only agree to an independent examination, but also brought an action against Klyha another criminal case – for allegedly insulting the public prosecutor.

– Conclusion of Ukrainian citizens most often charged with extremism?

– No, completely different article. But if about to share things on articles, the largest group – 14 cases of Crimean Tatar Muslims. They are the persons involved in three different cases, but pops up everywhere one article of the Criminal Code – 205.5, “Organization of the activity of a terrorist organization and participation in the activities of a terrorist organization.”

– What are the specifics of cases of Crimean Muslims?

– The fact that in 2003 the Supreme Court issued a ruling that recognizes the number of Muslim terrorist organizations and banned their activities in the territory of the Russian Federation. The list includes both the radical organizations like Al-Qaeda, and completely peaceful as Hizb-ut-Tahrir is not banned in the European countries (the organization in the Russian Federation recognized as a terrorist). For a long time it is not even a court order was issued, and when the contents became known, the appeal against that decision was no longer possible. Later, in 2013, there was an article 205.5. Pay attention to her manipulative formulation: to condemn a man for terrorism, not necessarily that he committed or planned acts of violence. It is enough to be a member of a proscribed organization. For this article, a person can solder a life sentence.

The first four of the Crimean Tatars have escorted to court in Rostov-on-Don. (By the way, their transport from the Crimea to Russia already is a war crime, because of the rules of international humanitarian law to move people from the occupied territories to the territory of the occupying state is forbidden). On ships, we saw that in the case file no information about the violent actions of the suspects or the planning of any kind of violence. There wiretapping and covert video meetings in a narrow circle, during which they discussed various things, particularly connected with the new political reality, which turned out to Crimea. But recorded “kitchen talk” (as they are called Alexander Popkov lawyer) nothing is a “terrorist”.

– That is, in these meetings there was someone who provoked discussions on political topics, write them down, and then passed the FSB?

– Yes. This secret witness, his name was not disclosed by the court. Perhaps convicted and guess who it is, but not openly call. In cases of Crimean Muslims there are a number of interesting points. Initiated criminal proceedings and make their own former employees of the SBU, which have violated the oath and are now serving in the FSB. The first thing that they started to do in the new service – to write a report (in fact, denunciations) on the Crimean Tatars “in committing the crime.” I voiced the names of these people – and Alexander Alexander Kozhemyaka Kompaneytsev. Both appear in the list of so-called traitors, released SBU.

One of those arrested on a tip Kompaneytseva became Emir Usein Cook – human rights activist, member of the Crimean Contact Group on Human Rights. Prior to the conclusion he was involved in the protection of people who are victims of persecution; gathering information about the disappeared and arrested (and Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians).

Obviously, this was the cause of his persecution. Before incriminate Emir of terrorism, there have been attempts to blame it on other items – extremism, incitement to ethnic hatred. We also know that he tried to recruit. And even before the arrest was an attempt of abduction, as recently recounted his lawyer Yevgeny Zakrevskaya. Obviously, the prosecution of the Crimean Muslims should be viewed from two perspectives. Firstly – as the prosecution of the Crimean Tatars for their opposition to the occupation (this is referenced in the indictment of the court in the first four of the Crimean Muslims, who are now being tried in Rostov-on-Don). Secondly – as a reflection of the repressive trend nationwide persecution of Muslims. On similar charges arrested dozens of people in the Russian regions with a high concentration of Muslim population (eg, in Bashkortostan). However, among the Crimean Tatars, along with Muslims arrested and, say, secular wing. This is a purely political persecution. For example, the “Case of February 26,” in which detainees are one of the leaders of the Majlis Ahtem Chiygoz and Ali and Mustafa Degermendzhi Asanov. Another step aimed at intimidation of the Crimean Tatars, – the announcement of the Mejlis of the extremist organization.

That is, the circumstances in which almost every Crimean Tatar can be arrested and prosecuted. As one of Vladimir Putin’s predecessors, “was a man, and the article there.”

For the majority of the Crimean Tatars of Crimea – the highest value and the biggest pain. They put on life is to return from exile, and then – again the occupation. I heard from some of them: “I will make here only feet first.”

– You have recently returned from Rostov, with the trial of the first quartet arrested Crimean Tatars. Tell us more about them.

– They were detained first. The problem is that we know little about them. Now, bit by bit collect information. Organization terrorist organization charged with Ruslan Zeytullaevu, participation in a terrorist organization – Ferrat Sayfullaevu, Yuri Primova and Rustem Vaitovu. All of them are actively engaged in social work. Ferrat Sayfulaev in 2012-2013. It was the imam of the mosque in s.Orlinoe Sevastopol area.

I met with the mother of Rustem Vaitova. Even before the war, he began to build a house for his family. At the time of his arrest, his wife was pregnant, gave birth after the arrest of Rustam. Today, their daughter less than a year, but she had serious health problems, it draw up a disability. It is possible that these problems are connected with a nervous shock that during pregnancy suffered wife Rustem. It is necessary to understand how these people were detained (they were told about it in court): the mask-show, breaking out the door, knocking butts windows, laying face down on the floor … All of those arrested – young children, more than that – a family with many children. You can imagine the atmosphere of the arrest …

Yuriy Primov – the actor, he studied at the University. Karpenko-Kary. When we were at the trial, Yuri asked for a lawyer to give him the book of Ray Bradbury “451 ° Fahrenheit”. In general, the process of these people the impression of real intellectuals. I was struck by how skillfully and intelligently they defended its position in court, appealed to the Russian legislation and the factual material; what precise questions asked prosecution witnesses actually driving them to a standstill.

– They use torture?

– We do not know anything about the physical torture in the Crimea, but also other forms of pressure enough. Guys are constantly trying to persuade him to confess guilt: in prison (all four of them are sitting separately), each of them secretly visited efesbeshniki. Overcrowding, they are not enough bunks, sleeping in turn are affected by bed bugs. I was also struck by the story that happened in the prison with the Emir of Cook. When he said that a Muslim and do not eat pork, he started giving her three times a day.

Restricted the right of prisoners to be protected: Crimean lawyer Emile Kurbedinova illegally removed from the protection of three of the four suspects (currently only defender Ruslan Zeytullaeva). Another interesting point: when the boys were still in Simferopol, and went the courts to establish a preventive measure, people who come to the court as a volunteer, were discharged agenda for questioning as a witness.

At the last trial we heard questioning the prosecution witnesses – the Crimean Tatars. Most of these people did not confirm the guilt of the arrested and, in fact, refused to what was stated in the interrogation protocols. However, several people testified against the suspects (it’s a question of collaboration). Much drama, when you see the witnesses against the occupation of the Crimean Tatars in the Crimean Tatars stand trial.

One day, when passing judgment, it fell on the birthday of Ruslan Zeytullaeva. Lawyers gave him drawing greeting from the children. That is shown through the glass cage in which defendants are holding.

During the trial, we were able to convey to children through lawyers photo flash mob in support of the arrested. But the convoy does not allow them to take photos – you can only look back and return. There was a photo of the Verkhovna Rada, where the platform hangs a big poster “Freedom for the prisoners of the Kremlin”, which have their portraits. The boys were surprised support, they had no idea that in Ukraine who knows something about the case and supports them. I was very moved by their reaction and appreciation.

Those prisoners in the Crimea, are in double insulation. Support, go to the courts to prisoners in Russia is easier than in the Crimea. Peninsula, in essence, become a gray area.

Now the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is making prisoners of the Crimean Tatars in the list of political prisoners and declares that Ukraine will demand their release and return to Ukraine. I believe that hope is clearly there, just Ukraine must do so systemically, and not dwell on the first successful exchanges. MFA does a lot for the liberation of Ukrainian prisoners. Our Rostov consuls general selflessly work – not from start to finish, “turned off the machine and left.” They are constantly trying to get through to the prisoners, to support families. By the way, our consulate has asked the Russian side with the request to visit the Crimean Tatars in Rostov prison. Were rejected, but not with reference to the “Russian citizens”, which was granted the defendants ‘automatically’, and the fact that this issue will be considered after the verdict. This is a very tricky position – there is no resolution, but there is no failure. Let’s see what will happen after sentence. Some of those convicted (e.g., Ruslana) threatens life.

– I view pages Emir-Usein Cook in social networks. He drew attention to the fact that long before his arrest, he knew what all could end. The first was back in 2015 m. He was then beaten. The comments concerned people wrote – was leaving for Kherson. But he never did. I also drew attention to the publication of the Tatar community initiative that helps families of prisoners. One can only imagine how difficult their situation – it’s families with children who have lost their breadwinners.

– Yes, wives of prisoners and their families came together. They are trying to financially support children – food, clothing, toys. And even these innocent initiatives cause an increased interest on the part of the security services, who are constantly trying to intervene.

As for Amir-Usein Cook – indeed, it was beating, was an attempt of abduction, to which involved the same traitor Kompaneytsev. After that Emir demanded that the law enforcement agencies to punish those who used violence against him. But he was arrested. Now press on the family of the Emir. Lawyers have filed a complaint with the police about what school to 9-year-old son of imprisoned human rights defenders came a man from Kompaneytseva. The child was told: “You must, my mother said that your father is somewhere to work, but he is in prison, and he will be there for a long time to sit, because due to poor uncles.”

Relatives of the prisoners of the Crimean Tatars live in constant fear, in an atmosphere of terror. They believe that they are listening and they are being watched (I think it is).

The pain and complexity of this situation is that Crimea is enhanced insulation, we may be difficult to establish contact with their relatives. They are afraid to speak, and it is clear – they are under control. Our ability to maintain and manifest indifference to inmates limited. Ukrainian consuls even theoretically can not visit the prisoners in the Crimea – there is no consulate of Ukraine, because our country does not recognize the occupation authorities. The only one who can get to him, this Russian lawyer.

– So you’ve only seen four arrested Tatars, who were brought to the court in Rostov? The rest are in the Crimea, where neither you nor the consuls access there? What are the names of these people, to let everyone know about them.

– Yes, indeed, it is necessary to name names, and journalists – to tell their stories. We collect information. Of course, it is better for it to go to the Crimea, but it’s impossible.

The four defendants in the first case I have already called. In the second case (lawyers call it “Yalta”) are Vadim Siruk, Anvar Bakirov, Muslim Aliev, Emir Usein Cook. Recently arrested two more – and Arsene Dzheparov Refat Alimov.

In the third case ( “Bakhchisarai”) – also a four helper: Zevri Abseitov, Remzi Memetov Rustem Abiltarov, Enver Mamut.

It’s part of our job – to make all these things known, to give them publicity. In the case of Nadia Savchenko relatives, human rights activists, politicians have played a key role. And of course, it would be nice if politicians were not only beneficial in terms of piarnaya prisoners.

there are very different people among the Kremlin’s prisoners. For example, Oleg Sentsov – it is an iconic figure, a man of great courage. But some came under the Russian repressive machine is not because they were well-known activist, but simply because of the circumstances. For example, Sergei Litvinov did not have any political position. But at some point the Russian law enforcement agencies, advocates was beneficial to fit it in the criminal case of the “genocide of the Russian-speaking population in the south-east of Ukraine.” In this case, it featured a number of Ukrainian high-ranking officials. And Litvinov was the man who entered the case to somehow materialize that at least someone was arrested. This is an ordinary villager from the Lugansk region. And he has some problems of mental development, than cynically took advantage of the Russian Investigative Committee. The man moved across the border to treat teeth (the way to hospital fighting cut off in his district), and there he was arrested as a Ukrainian Punisher. Immediately after the arrest, he appeared on Russian television. There, he allegedly confessed that he is a punisher, shot civilians. Litvinov was the victim of a tool and a hybrid war. Although thanks to the work of the lawyer Viktor Parshutkin and in the absence of any evidence of “punitive actions” the bulk of the charges against Litvinov was removed, but was convicted for alleged robbery. We also demand the release of Litvinov. Immediately after the arrest, he appeared on Russian television. There, he allegedly confessed that he is a punisher, shot civilians. Litvinov was the victim of a tool and a hybrid war. Although thanks to the work of the lawyer Viktor Parshutkin and in the absence of any evidence of “punitive actions” the bulk of the charges against Litvinov was removed, but was convicted for alleged robbery. We also demand the release of Litvinov. Immediately after the arrest, he appeared on Russian television. There, he allegedly confessed that he is a punisher, shot civilians. Litvinov was the victim of a tool and a hybrid war. Although thanks to the work of the lawyer Viktor Parshutkin and in the absence of any evidence of “punitive actions” the bulk of the charges against Litvinov was removed, but was convicted for alleged robbery. We also demand the release of Litvinov.

– When you arrive in Russia on the courts, as you treated the officials, the judges, the people sitting next to you? It seems to me, such a trip – it’s on your side, too, the courage.

– On the border we were met by a car Ukrainian consul, and only there we moved. Such support is important to us. Even in a psychological sense. If you something happens, at least someone will witness it. Attempts did not arrest us.

When we went on trial in the case of the Crimean Tatars, they were not sure that we are allowed. It’s a military court (only in Russian, he can be judged by terrorist articles). But, surprisingly, nothing happened. Court sessions we recorded on tape, and did not try to drive us. But, because after our trip to the Ukraine and in the world has passed certain information wave, I’m not sure that the next delegation of Ukrainian journalists and human rights defenders will be as easy access to the court hearing.

– You were talking to some prisoners. They understand the complexity of the situation? They consider it hopeless?

– Nikolai Karpyuk – fighting spirit. His very inspired that Ukraine fights for it. He talked about it advocates consuls. He knows that we helped collect evidence of his alibi. Nicholas believes that will be home soon. Stanislav Klyhom situation is complicated – it must be immediately returned to Ukraine and treat. As for the Crimean Tatars, then it seems to me, they are not yet fully understood that Ukraine is ready to fight for them. It really is their only chance of release. I have no doubt that they will be judged. It is important to write them a letter, be maintained. Many of the Russian prisoners say that the letter from the country – this is the thread that keeps them afloat. Each letter they re-read a hundred times.

– How to react prisoners Crimean Tatars to your presence in court?

– There were very touched. They looked at us, watching our reaction to their words. At some point I even thought that they were trying to justify to us: “You do not believe them, we are not any there fanatical terrorists”, – told us the guys during the break. We answered: “Yes, we know why we are here.”

These people are trying to prove his innocence, but do not make loud political statements, such as Nadezhda Savchenko. They are hostages of the situation also in the sense that their large families are controlled by occupation authorities. Absolutely defenseless women and children. Incidentally, this is another problem. If Ukraine will be able to free the Crimean prisoners, it will be necessary to consider how to take the Crimea their families.

– It is hard to listen to your speech at the hearing?

– Not hard and scary. It is terrible to see what becomes of Russia. It is terrible that part of our territory is occupied by that State. What a terrible repression flywheel, which it unwinds, touches and other citizens. What people are judged for anything. That the prosecutor in the court voiced absurd, and the judge is to carefully listen to and convict. I fear for our people who have absolutely no rights in Russian courts and prisons. But most of all I am afraid that in the near future will be the main supplier of the political prisoners is the Crimea. The occupation authorities have created a legal framework and conditions for repressions and arrests of the Soviet scale. The report from a human rights group called the Crimea “peninsula of fear.” Even international organizations are powerless: the Kremlin behaves as it sees fit. Now in the Crimea does not work, no international mission. Ivan Šimonović, Advisor to the UN Secretary General, tried several times to break through in the Crimea, but was not allowed. Almost the only exception – the mission of the Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General Gérard Stoudmann this winter. But this mission is “not noticed” systemic violations of human rights in the Crimea. And this despite the fact that, immediately after the annexation of the situation on the peninsula Monitors High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks. His report testified to the disastrous human rights situation. Then there was a very harsh Russian reaction to this report. That is why, apparently, the general secretary has chosen for a new visit to the other person – Ambassador Stoudmann. Almost the only exception – the mission of the Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General Gérard Stoudmann this winter. But this mission is “not noticed” systemic violations of human rights in the Crimea. And this despite the fact that, immediately after the annexation of the situation on the peninsula Monitors High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks. His report testified to the disastrous human rights situation. Then there was a very harsh Russian reaction to this report. That is why, apparently, the general secretary has chosen for a new visit to the other person – Ambassador Stoudmann. Almost the only exception – the mission of the Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General Gérard Stoudmann this winter. But this mission is “not noticed” systemic violations of human rights in the Crimea. And this despite the fact that, immediately after the annexation of the situation on the peninsula Monitors High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks. His report testified to the disastrous human rights situation. Then there was a very harsh Russian reaction to this report. That is why, apparently, the general secretary has chosen for a new visit to the other person – Ambassador Stoudmann. that immediately after the annexation of the situation on the peninsula Monitors High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks. His report testified to the disastrous human rights situation. Then there was a very harsh Russian reaction to this report. That is why, apparently, the general secretary has chosen for a new visit to the other person – Ambassador Stoudmann. that immediately after the annexation of the situation on the peninsula Monitors High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks. His report testified to the disastrous human rights situation. Then there was a very harsh Russian reaction to this report. That is why, apparently, the general secretary has chosen for a new visit to the other person – Ambassador Stoudmann.

Team euromaidan SOS and “Open Dialogue” prepared a joint report of all cases against Ukrainian citizens in Russia and the Crimea. We presented it in the European Parliament and PACE, and just when traveling to other countries. They called on the international community and diplomatic missions to come to court. Many were present at the trial of Hope Savchenko. Perhaps even to Sentsova and Kol’chenko come. But no one of the prisoners are not interested in our western colleagues. By the way, the majority of Ukrainian MPs – too.

You see, we in fact to such matters-one ratio – or betrayal, or victory. If a person is imprisoned for political reasons, but does not behave heroically, then, may not have to help him. We want someone to build on a pedestal and worship him. And if a person does not vomit on his shirt, not making a nice gesture, the protection of their rights, he, it turns out, does not deserve? Frankly, there is a problem, unfortunately. But, fortunately, there are more people willing to help not only the heroes. In particular, among the deputies. I believe that we will be able to return home to our fellow citizens. The main thing – do not forget about them.

Interviewed by Oksana Onishchenko

Sourse, 09/07/2016