Released from Russian prison journalist Vladislav Esipenko returned to Ukraine after rehabilitation

Frilence Project Radio Liberty Crimea.Realia Vladislav Esipenko, who was previously in Russian in prison, returned to Ukraine. He thanked his colleagues for his support and told that he planned to continue his journalistic and human rights activities. Esipenko appealed to political prisoners who are still in Russian prisons and called on them not to lose faith.

The journalist after more than four years of Russian imprisonment was released on June 20 and left the occupied Crimea. On June 22, he arrived in Prague, where he later underwent medical examinations and rehabilitation.

Vladislav Esipenko is a freelance journalist (Frilence) of Crimea Real (Radio Liberty). He covered social and environmental problems in the Crimea, filmed street surveys and reports about life on the annexed peninsula. On March 10, 2021, Esipenko was detained by the FSB staff of Russia on charges in collecting information “in the interests of Ukrainian special services” and storage of “homemade explosive device” in the car.

For 27 days, independent lawyers were not allowed. At the same time, the State TV channel “Crimea 24” published an interview with Esipenko, in which he confirmed that he worked for the project of Crimea.

In 2022, the Russian -controlled court in the Crimea sentenced Esipenko to five years in prison and a fine of 110 thousand rubles. The Russian prosecutor’s office demanded for him 11 years. Esipenko himself stated in court that Russian security forces were tortured, in particular electric current, seeking confessions.

Human rights organizations, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and Radio Svoboda’s leadership have repeatedly made the release of the journalist.

During the imprisonment, Esipenko became a laureate of several prestigious awards: Free Media Award (2022), Freedom to Write Award from Pen America (2022), Igor Lubchenko National Prize, and received a Ukrainian Lukyanen State Power.