OSCE SMM reports on freedom of movement restrictions in Donbas

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine continued to face freedom of movement restrictions in occupied territories in Donbas, according to a daily report published by the OSCE SMM on October 29.

“At a checkpoint on the northern edge of Novoazovsk (non-government-controlled, 102km south-east of Donetsk), three armed members of the armed formations again denied the SMM access south towards Novoazovsk and Siedove (non-government controlled, 106km south of Donetsk), citing ‘orders from superiors,” reads the report.

At the same time, the observers said they saw civilian vehicles driving in both directions through the checkpoint.

“At a checkpoint north of Zaichenko (non-government-controlled, 93km south of Donetsk), two armed members of the armed formations again denied the SMM passage towards Sakhanka (non-government-controlled, 97km south of Donetsk), citing ‘ongoing demining activities’ and ‘concerns for the SMM’s safety,” reads the report.

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