In Russia court once again left Sushchenko under arrest – lawyer

The Moscow City Court denied the appeal against the prolongation of arrest of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, who was detained in Russia, until April 30.

As reported by Sushchenko’s lawyer Mark Feygin on his Twitter page.

“The court hearing on consideration of my appeal against the prolongation of arrest of Sushchenko is completed. Appeal was dismissed”, – wrote Feygin.

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

He was accused of espionage, allegedly being a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate denied allegations of Russian Federal Security Service.

On October 7, the Russian Federation officially charged the Ukrainian journalist of espionage.

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.