russia tries to illegally convict 75-year-old Crimean activist Volodymyr Ananiev

On the night of February 1, 2024, the russian fsb illegally detained 75-year-old Crimean civil rights activist Volodymyr Ananiev on trumped-up charges. It is now known that the political prisoner was illegally transferred to the territory of the russian federation, where he faces a long prison term for not cooperating with the russian “investigation”. Given Ananiev’s age and health condition, the illegal actions of the aggressor country against him and the long sentence that russia may impose are critical for the Crimean activist.

This was discussed during a press conference at the Media Center Ukraine.

“We have learned that on February 27, 2024, russia illegally deported him to its territory, which is another war crime against civilians in occupied Crimea. Court hearings on his case have now begun in Rostov, and we suspect that he has already been transferred there. His case is being considered by the Southern District Military Court, which is yet another violation of international law,” said Olha Skrypnyk, Chair of the Crimean Human Rights Group.

According to Skrypnyk, russia initially accused Ananiev of storing explosives, although no such materials were found. After he refused to plead guilty or cooperate with the investigation while maintaining his pro-Ukrainian stance, an additional charge of “terrorism” was added. This charge of terrorism now formally gives grounds for him to be tried in Rostov by a military court, and significantly increases the potential prison sentence he could face.

Skrypnyk stressed that a lengthy sentence would be particularly dangerous for Ananiev, given his age and deteriorating health.

That’s why human rights activists want to draw attention to Volodymyr Ananiev and all other political prisoners in Crimea, so that any future negotiations include the return of civilians.

“We understand that securing the release of civilians has always been a challenge. They are often exchanged in small numbers and rarely recognized by russia. However, we insist that any future negotiations must include the return of our civilians. One possible step forward is to engage our international partners in discussing and advocating for the release of specific groups of civilian hostages – including a priority group of detainees over the age of 60,” Skrypnyk stressed.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news