Russian officials are blocking Vladyslav Yesypenko's parole
The administration of the Crimean prison where unlawfully convicted journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko is detained is blocking his attempts to apply for parole.
His wife, Kateryna Yesypenko, spoke about this to QIRIM.News.
Vladyslav Yesypenko. Photo by Krym.Realii
She says Vladyslav has all grounds to be released on parole, since he has served the required term of imprisonment.
However, the administration of the prison in occupied Kerch is adding various cases to his personal file, accusing Yesypenko of violating prison regulations. The journalist is deliberately framed for breaching the prison's internal rules such as failing to take off his cap when greeting the inspector, being late for a morning inspection, etc.
“After receiving such reprimands, the prisoner loses the right to apply for parole for several months. And so the circle goes on repeating,” his wife said.
According to Kateryna Yesypenko, other routine matters are resolved without issue. For instance, the colony does not block parcels with medicine and food.
The Kerch colony No. 2 is a low security prison for men convicted for the first time.
Vladyslav Yesypenko's case
On March 10, 2021, Russia's FSB detained "Radio Liberty" freelancer journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko in the occupied Crimea. Yesypenko took part in a demonstration dedicated to Taras Shevchenko's birth anniversary, which took place in Simferopol on March 9. Vladyslav Yesypenko was charged with gathering information "in the interests of Ukraine's special services," including the Foreign Intelligence Service. According to the FSB, Yesypenko "had been performing photo and video recording of the area, welfare facilities, and places of mass gatherings of people in the Crimea."
Vladyslav Yesypenko has said that FSB investigators had tortured him in order to coerce him into confessing.
On February 16, the Russian-controlled Simferopol District Court sentenced Krym.Realii freelancer Vladyslav Yesypenko to six years in penal colony for alleged illegal storage and transportation of an explosive device.
Speaking in court on February 15, Yesypenko said the case was politically motivated.
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