On May 25, the third stage of the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place as part of the agreements reached during the negotiations in Istanbul on May 16. 120 civilians were returned home from Russian captivity, but none of them were Crimean residents, not even among the seriously ill, who, according to the Crimean Human Rights Group, number more than 60.
According to international standards, priority for release is given to the seriously ill, elderly people, and women. One of the oldest political prisoners is Volodymyr Ananyev, who may soon be sentenced. Olga Skrypnyk, chairperson of the Crimean Human Rights Group, notes that he could receive a significant term because he refused a plea deal. Among other political prisoners, there are several Crimean Tatars over 60 years old.
“Women are also a separate humanitarian group that needs to be returned. Some of them are already of very advanced age, and some have serious illnesses. One woman, for example, is suspected of having cancer. Neither doctors nor lawyers are allowed to see her.”
If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
