The Russian PEN-centre, called the letter to Putin about Sentsov initiative of the “group of liberals” within the organization – NEWSru.com

Several dozen representatives of the Russian PEN center, which brings together Russian writers, poets and journalists have signed an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a request to pardon the Ukrainian Director Oleg Sentsov. The document notes that the 20-year sentence Sentsov is a “profound injustice.”

“alleged criminal intent was based on the testimony of one of the defendants, is fully refuted by him during the trial – as data under torture. Torture was used against Oleg, which was confirmed by his lawyers, but his guilt has never recognized” – noted in the letter, which publishes Colta.ru.

the letter also said that Sentsov is now in the Yakut colony, connection with him, refuses to meetings and not responding to letters: “This indicates a very dangerous psychological condition, evidence of severe moral (and maybe physical) sufferings”.

“We ask you, Mr. President, to apply to Oleg Sentsov norm of the law allowing the President to decide on pardon without an admission of guilt on their part, please use all available resources and mechanisms for the speedy release of our colleagues”, – concluded in the letter. Their signatures under the appeal, among others, put the poets Lev Rubinstein and Michael Eisenberg, Andrei Makarevich and others.

Later Interfax, however, reported that the Russian PEN-center has not sent a letter to Putin, and the above-mentioned appeal – the initiative of individual members of the organization.

“we Have a group of liberal opposition, with us trying to interfere and run our own line. They are members of the Center, but accept their own statements, collect signatures among like-minded people,” – said the press service of the organization.

According to the FSB of the Russian Federation, Sentsov has created terrorist groups operating in the Crimea, and from April to may 2014 members Sentsov, Kolchenko, Alexey Chirny and Gennady Afanasyev – was set on fire in Simferopol offices of the public organization “Russian community of Crimea” and the local branch of the party “United Russia”. Also, the FSB claims that these persons were preparing to commit terrorist acts. They had planned the explosions in the night of may 9, 2015 improvised explosive devices near the Eternal flame and the monument to Lenin in Simferopol.

August 25, 2015 Severo-the Caucasian district military court in Rostov-on-don sentenced. to 20 years in a strict regime colony. With him for 10 years condemned Oleksandr Kolchenko.