Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian political prisoner convicted in Russia, wrote a submission letter to the representatives of the Russian cinematography who voiced support of him. Yevgeny Gindilis, a Russian filmmaker, made the letter public on his Facebook page.
“To those who put on the T-shirts and not only! My movie-makers friends! Thank you for everything you are doing. For not being silent. Not to be afraid is not that hard, isn’t it? It is hard to make the first step. Some has made it right away, some – only recently, but I am grateful for everyone’s bravery. I understand that you risk supporting me openly now, living in this country. I do not write and do not name the names and surnames not because I do not know them or do not appreciate them, but because I am afraid to forget someone or single put someone. I am grateful to all of you,” Sentsov wrote.
As it was reported earlier, Ukrainian movie director Oleg Sentsov and Crimean activist Oleksandr Kolchenko were detained by the Russian FSB in the annexed Crimea. Both were taken to Russia. Sentsov was charged with preparing a terrorist act in Crimea and sentenced to 20 years in the high-security penal colony. Kolchenko was sentenced to ten-years-long imprisonment.
Oleg Sentsov has announced a hunger strike on May 14. This way, he demands that all Ukrainians detained in Russia and annexed Crimea be released. Sentsov said he was ready to die if the requirements were not fulfilled.