USA: we need to monitor trial of Semena, because of occupying authorities in Crimea

Permanent delegation of the United States to the OSCE addressed in writting form to the heads of several structures of the organization, insisting on taking control over the trial on Ukrainian journalist Mykola Semena, "Europeiska pravda" said.

Acting Head of Mission Kate Marie Byrns stated this in a letter she wrote to the head of the OSCE SMM Ertugrul Apakan, Director of the OSCE ODIHR George Michael Link and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović. The letter is dated by15 February.

"Europeiska pravda" was able to read the the letter, as the diplomatic corps has it.

"Civil society organizations called on the international community to monitor the trial. United States believes that the OSCE must respond to this call," - letter to the US embassy states.
"We call on you as the heads of the OSCE missions responsible for monitoring the human rights situation in Ukraine, and for institutions that focused on human rights and fundamental freedoms. We call on you to coordinate efforts and ensure monitoring the trial against Mykola Semena," - insists the official representative of the United States.

The letter contained a reminder that Semena was arrested because of "undermining the integrity of the Russian Federation in the media", by which he faces five years in prison.
The document, which represents the position of the United States, stressed that it is "Russian occupation authorities" accusates Semena, which is an important issue since the journalist was known for his articles of  "criticizing the Crimean de facto government and the Russian occupation."