On August 15 in Geneva UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Mr. David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Physical and Mental Health, Mr. Dainius Pūras and Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders Mr. Michel Forst called on Russian authorities to release Oleg Sentsov immediately and unconditionally, while expressing grave concern for his physical and mental integrity.
As it was stated by UN experts, 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,” said the experts, stressed on the constant contact with Russian authorities about this case.