Journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva freed from captivity

Ukrainian journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva, who was held captive by the pro-Russian militants in Luhansk region over a year, has been freed from captivity.

This was announced by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko: “Journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva has been freed! I am proud of her courage and strength of mind!” Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper reports.

Human rights activist Kostiantyn Reutsky also commented journalist’s liberation with a short post “At liberty!” on his Facebook page.

As reported, the journalist, who had been working for Free Reporter local news website and variety of national media, was held captive in Luhansk since January 9, 2015. She was detained while she was taking pictures of a residential building in the city. The so-called “LPR” accused her of spying for the Ukrainian nationalist movement (Right Sector) and threatened her with 15 years in prison.