Militants admitted that they have missing journalist Aseev in detention. He is accused of espionage
Militants of the illegal armed group of Donetsk region officially confirmed that they have detained the missing Ukrainian journalist Stanislav Aseev (Vasin) and he is currently held captive.
As reported by former People’s Deputy Egor Firsov on his Facebook page on July 16.
“The “Ministry of State Security (MGB)” has officially confirmed that he was detained. Stanislav’s mother has received a written confirmation. He is accused of espionage, as are all the previously detained journalists. Under these accusations he can be sentenced for 12-14 years”, – he said.
According to him, the journalist’s mother was able to visit him.
“Stanislav holds well, understands that there is no hope for a fair trial. His only hope is an exchange of prisoners”, – Firsov wrote.
Earlier, Oleg Kotenko, Head of the “Patriot” volunteer group for the release of prisoners, has reported in the broadcast of the Hromadske Radio (Public Radio) that the journalist was tortured.
“We know where the journalist is. But we can not disclose this information, since the militants can relocate him. He is alive, but his condition is not very good. Because he was tortured by the so-called MGB”, – Kotenko said.
“Several people have been detained in his case. We know the names of other people but we will not disclose them for the purpose of their safety”, – he added.
It was earlier reported that the UN Special Human Rights Monitoring Mission is looking for journalist Stanislav Aseev, who had disappeared in occupied Donetsk.
The journalists lived in Donetsk since the occupation. Stanislav Aseev has not arrived to his relatives on 3 June and has not answered his phone. His family went to look for him at the flat where he lives. Despite waiting outside for hours there was no sign of him. His family returned to the flat on 4 June, with his landlord. When they opened the door they saw clear signs that the flat had been searched.
Stanislav Aseev’s family appealed to the local police and the “Ministry of State Security of the DNR” regarding his whereabouts. As yet, they have not received a response. They have also visited two SIZOs (pre-trial detention centres) in Donetsk, but were not able to find him.
In early July, the international human rights organization Amnesty International in Ukraine has called on the illegal armed group of Donetsk region to reveal the whereabouts of the journalist. Subsequently, the “police” of the armed group has declared him wanted.