For the attention of foreign journalists
Kyiv, February 3
Appeal court trial over detained activist Olexander Kravtsov will be conducted on February 5, at 12.20, in the premises of Kyiv Appeals Court (Apelatsiynyi sud mista Kyieva).
Address: 2-A Solomianska str, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/6drz4.
Timing: Wednesday, February 5, 12.20
Kravtsov is a civic activist, who participated in peaceful actions in defense of human rights and freedoms. On January 23th, early in the morning, he was detained, beaten and tortured by Berkut (Ukrainian police special unit). He was also forced to stay on his knees under severe frost for several hours.
Later, he was brought to the court and faces charges for “attacking” Berkut officers, which can result in his 6-year imprisonment.
Widest possible national and international media coverage of this trial (as well as of many similar trials) can save Olexander’s future, as that of over 100 other activists illegally arrested by the police in the last days and weeks.
Find more details in an article written by his wife, Olesia Mamchych (in English).
Note: court security should in principle let journalists be present at the hearings. However, earlier practice shows that it can prevent reporters from entering the court room. It is better therefore to arrive in advance, and to have a letter from your editor
