Following the attendance of ODIHR representatives at Nadiya Savchenko's court hearing in Moscow on February 25, a statement was released emphasizing the importance of fair trial rights and protection against arbitrary detention.
Nadiya Savchenko, a Deputy of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, has been detained by Russian authorities since June 2014 after being captured by Russia-backed separatists near Metallist, Ukraine. She was subsequently transferred across the border into Russian custody.
Currently on a hunger strike for over 80 days to protest her detention, Ms. Savchenko's health is reported to be in a critical state. During her imprisonment, she has reportedly faced mistreatment, including undergoing a "psychiatric evaluation," which echoes practices used against dissidents during the Soviet era.
The call for Ms. Savchenko's release aligns with commitments made by Russia in the Minsk agreements from September 2014 and their subsequent implementation plan dated February 12. The plea includes demands for the release of all Ukrainian hostages held by Russia.
Ambassador Baer emphasized that releasing Ms. Savchenko is within Russia’s capabilities and urged immediate action as part of honoring their obligations under the Minsk agreements.