Sushchenko nominated for UNESCO prize

The NAtional union of journalists of Ukraine nominated Roman Sushchenko, the illegally detained Ukrainian reporter arrested under trumped-up charges in Russia, for one of the most prestigious awards for journalists – UNESCO’s Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom prize. The acting head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine Serhiy Tomilenko told about it to Ukrinform, the outlet reports.

Tomilenko nored that motive for such a decision is that, "Roman Sushchenko is an example of a true reporter, who is detained for his loyalty to ideals of true journalism".

According to Tomilenko UNESCO office already confirmed the fact of receiving the application by the Union.

The winner of this year’s Guillermo Cano prize will be named on May 3, on the World Day of Press Freedom, implemented by the UN.

As IMI reported earlier, The Lefortovsky District Court of Moscow has extended pre-trial detention term of Ukrinform correspondent Roman Sushchenko until April 30, 2017.

Ukrinform stated that their correspondent in France Roman Sushchenko was arrested in Moscow and accused of “espionage” on Sept.30.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed detaining of an Ukrinform correspondent, Roman Sushchenko. FSB labeling him as a Ukrainian intelligence officer who allegedly deliberately collected classified information on activities of the armed forces and the national guard of the Russian Federation. There is a criminal case on espionage charges (Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code), the investigation is currently underway.

The Lefortove court resolved to prolong the arrest of Sushchenko for two more months on Oct.1.

Defence appealed the decision of the Lefortovo court to arrest Sushchenko in France.

The Moscow City Court has dismissed the appeal of defense team of an Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko on Oct.27.

The Moscow Lefortovo Court resolved on Nov. 28 to extend the arrest of Sushchenko until the 30th of January 2017.

On Dec.15, 2016, the Lefortovsky District Court of Moscow has extended pre-trial detention term of Ukrinform correspondent Roman Sushchenko until April 30, 2017

On February 14 The Moscow City Court dismissed an appeal against the arrest of Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko.