Denisova: Another Ukrainian citizen captured and tortured by Russian proxy forces is ‘critically ill’
Ihor Nazarenko, a Ukrainian citizen currently held captive by Russian proxy forces at the Makiivka Correctional Facility No. 32 in the non-government-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast, is critically ill, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Human Rights Ombudswoman Lyudmyla Denisova wrote on Facebook on Dec. 21.
According to Denisova, Nazarenko was abducted by Russian “security officials” from a hospital in Donetsk, where he worked as a surgeon, in 2017.
After three days of brutal physical and mental torture, Nazarenko’s home was searched by Russian proxy forces, and he was “charged” with terrorism.
Nazarenko was illegally sentenced to 11 years in prison for “espionage” in 2019.
“Even before his illegal imprisonment, Ihor (Nazarenko) suffered from a chronic lung condition requiring regular treatment,” Denisova said. “Detention at the infamous Makiivka Correctional Facility No. 32, with its total disregard for sanitary conditions and lack of heating, could lead to a relapse.”
Nazarenko’s relatives report that he is rapidly losing weight and is likely ill with the coronavirus, with no access medical treatment, the ombudswoman added.
“I’m asking officials of the International Red Cross in Ukraine to urgently visit Ihor Nazarenko and ensure that he is taken to a hospital and provided with medical care,” Denisova said. “I’m urging Charlotta Relander, Coordinator of OSCE’s Humanitarian Working Group, to personally intervene (on Nazarenko’s behalf),”.
On Dec. 20, Ombudswoman Denisova warned about the rapidly deteriorating health of another Ukrainian captive, Olena Pekh, who has been illegally imprisoned by Russian proxy forces in the Donbas for three years.
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