You're reading: Denisova, Jagland discuss release of Ukrainian political prisoners, Crimea situation

Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova has discussed with Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Thorbjorn Jagland the issue of the release of Ukrainian political prisoners and the situation in Kerch.

Denisova noted the lack of progress on the issue of the release of political prisoners.

“Agreements on simultaneous mutual visits have not been implemented. The Russian Federation has not yet provided an opportunity to hold meetings,” the Ukrainian ombudswoman Denisova wrote on her Facebook page on October 20.

She stressed that Jagland had already appealed to the President of the Russian Federation [Vladimir Putin] regarding the release of Oleh Sentsov, at least on humanitarian grounds, but the Ukrainian director still kept in the colony in Labytnangi.

In addition, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe noted that it is Russia that is responsible for human rights violations in the occupied territories.

“In particular, on the tragedy in Kerch in annexed Crimea. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe noted that it is the Russian Federation that is responsible for all human rights violations in the territories it occupied. And the Council of Europe recognizes that the situation in the annexed Crimea is completely controlled by Russia,” Denisova said.