FSB refused to attach statement of Ukrainian Intelligence to Sushchenko case

Russian Federal Security Service refused to attach the note, stating that journalist Roman Sushchenko has not worked for the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (MDI of the MDU), to the case.

As reported by Mark Feygin, the lawyer of detained Ukrainian, on his Facebook page.

“The investigative department of the FSB, which is conducting the case of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, refused to attach the official statement of the MDI of the MDU that Sushchenko has not served for the said Intelligence Directorate”, – he wrote.

“This is how the cases are conducted in the Russian Federation. And in fact we are trying to work purely procedural. Everything is in accordance with the Criminal Procedural Code”, – said the lawyer.

“So our only hopes are international pressure and protests. Everything else are just illusions…”, – summed up Feygin.

As a reminder, Ukrinform correspondent in France Roman Sushchenko was arrested in Moscow on September 30, where he arrived on a private visit.

He was accused of “espionage”, allegedly accused him of being a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate denied the allegations of the Russian Federal Security Service.

After the closed hearing on October 1, the court ruled to arrest the journalist for two months – until November 30. Contrary to the international norms and bilateral agreements between Ukraine and Russia, in the early days Sushchenko was denied in a basic right – to see a lawyer and a Ukrainian consul.

On October 7, the Russian Federation officially charged the Ukrainian journalist with spying.

Only on October 10, Ukrainian consul was able to meet with the journalist Sushchenko in the Lefortovo SIZO (pre-trial detention centre) in the Moscow.

Ukrainian non-governmental organizations believe that the arrest of “Ukrinform” journalist Roman Sushchenko in Moscow should be regarded as an attack on freedom of expression and call on the Ukrainian government and the international community to protect the Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia and the occupied Crimea.

The Sushchenko’s defense is trying to recognize him as a political prisoner by the Russian and international human rights organizations.