Members of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (“DPR”), who earlier denied any involvement in Ukrainian journalist Stanislav (Stas) Aseyev’s disappearance in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, have officially confirmed his arrest.
“Stas’ mother has been given a written statement. He is accused of espionage, as is the case with all previously detained journalists. He is facing 12-14 years in prison with such charges. His mother was allowed to visit him. Stas stays strong, being aware that one should not expect a fair trial. His only hope is a swap of prisoners,” his friend and former Ukrainian lawmaker Yehor Firsov wrote on Facebook.