Russia: U.S. concerned over 'callous' treatment of Savchenko
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: U.S. concerned over 'callous' treatment of Savchenko, 5 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba7be.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 05, 2015
By RFE/RL
The United States said it is concerned over the "callous and outrageous" treatment by Russia of detained Ukrainian pilot and parliament member Nadia Savchenko.
Speaking at a May 5 news briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke called on Russia to release Savchenko and all other "hostages" immediately.
"We reiterate our serious concerns over her treatment in detention and reports that she is gravely ill while she remains a hostage to Russian authorities," Rathke said.
Earlier on May 5, Savchenko's lawyer said on Twitter that Russian authorities have extended the preliminary inquiry into Savchenko's case until November 13. A decision on the expected extension of her detention is due to be taken May 6.
Savchenko has been jailed in Russia since July, when she says she was illegally brought into the country after being abducted by separatists in Ukraine.
She is charged with complicity in the killing of two Russian journalists who died in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, as well as illegal border crossing.
She denies guilt and conducted a hunger strike for more than 80 days to protest her incarceration.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
