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Detention on suspicion of espionage
On 18 October, Russian media, citing the FSB Public Relations Centre, reported the detention of a Ukrainian citizen in occupied Crimea. According to sources, she is suspected of passing information to Ukrainian special services about the location of Russian troops in the Kherson region. This case is yet another evidence of unprecedented repressions against Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories, ua.krymr reports.
Criminal prosecution
The detainee is a 22-year-old resident of the Kherson region, who is facing a criminal case under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code, which provides for the punishment of espionage. She could face up to 20 years in prison. The name of the detainee remains unknown, and there is currently no information on the protection of her rights. This highlights the critical situation for Ukrainian citizens in Crimea who face repression by the Russian authorities.
Prosecution trends
It is worth noting that since 2014, at least 20 Ukrainians have become victims of unfair accusations of espionage and sabotage in Crimea. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the human rights situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. In 2023, at least 98 people were charged with treason, 31 with espionage, and 19 with collaboration with foreigners. At least 88 of these cases have been brought to court, and 50 of them have already resulted in guilty verdicts.
Human rights defenders in defence of Ukrainians
At the Third International Forum of the Expert Network of the International Crimean Platform, the Head of the Board of the ZMINA Human Rights Centre, Tetyana Pechonchyk, highlighted the growing number of accusations of treason and cooperation with foreign powers since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian human rights activists are currently monitoring eight cases related to these charges, trying to ensure justice and protection of the rights of detainees.
Supporting Ukraine in the face of repression
These events once again demonstrate the unjustified repression that Russia is using against those who speak out in defence of Ukraine. Despite the pressure, the Ukrainian people continue to fight for their rights and freedoms. Support for Ukraine and its citizens suffering from repression is crucial. The human rights community and the international community must raise awareness of these crimes and take action to protect Ukrainians in Crimea.
