Ukrainian Foreign Ministry demands to stop persecution of Crimean journalist Semena

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has expressed its concern over persecution of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian-annexed Crimea, in particular, of journalist Mykola Semena.

This is said in the Ministry’s statement of July 26.

“The case of Mykola Semena reveals the scope of repressive policy conducted by Russian de facto authorities in Crimea, aimed at silencing and hiding from the public the catastrophical human rights situation in the occupied territory, as well as violation of the rights of journalists and restrictions on freedom of speech,” the statement reads.

The agency expressed its concern over worsening of health status of Semena “which is another evidence of constant practice of torture and other illegal methods used by relevant Russian authorities during the investigation.”

“We demand that the Russian Federation, as the occupying state, should stop the persecution of Mykola Semena and release him immediately,” the Foreign Ministry insists.

April 19, the criminal case on suspicion of “extremist activity” was launched against Mykola Semena, the journalist of Crimea.Realities portal. As stated by the occupying power, his articles contain calls for violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

“This penal article of extremist activity primarily covers journalists and bloggers. Persecution of Mykola Semena is a showcase of persecution of journalists for their independent point of view,” Crimean Human Rights Group coordinator Olha Skrypnyk said in a commentary to Crimea.Realities portal.