In Moscow court extended arrest of Sushchenko until April 30

The Lefortovo District Court of Moscow extended the arrest of journalist Roman Sushchenko, who was illegally detained in the Russian Federation, for another three months.

As reported by lawyer Mark Feygin on his Twitter page.

“The court hearing is over. The court extended the arrest of Roman Sushchenko until April 30, 2017”, – he wrote.

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.