Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus Calls for Immediate Release of Ukrainian Journalist Held by Russia-backed Separatist Militants in Eastern Ukraine

Statement

U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Co-Chairs of the Freedom of the Press Caucus, today released the following statement:

"As co-chairs of the Congressional Press Freedom Caucus, we are deeply concerned by reports that Ukrainian journalist Stanislav Aseyev continues to be held by Russia-backed separatist militants of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic' (DNR) in eastern Ukraine since June 2017. Mr. Aseyev reported for various Ukrainian media and for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's local service, and was one of the few independent journalists to remain in the region under separatist control to provide objective reporting. He has been denied visitation and there have been reports that he may be charged with spying--an accusation international observers say is politically motivated because of his reporting. Mr. Aseyev reportedly began a hunger strike in late June in protest of the refusal to provide him needed medical care, and his situation is becoming dire. We call for Mr. Aseyev to be released immediately."

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