US calls on Russia to free Ukrainian journalist Sushchenko

Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Heather Nauert wrote this on Twitter.

 “The United States calls for the immediate release of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko and all Ukrainian political prisoners held by Russia,” the spokesperson wrote.

The United States calls for the immediate release of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko and all Ukrainian political prisoners held by #Russia. #FreeSushchenko #FreeSentsov

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) 8 июня 2018 г.

As reported, Paris-based Ukrinform correspondent Roman Sushchenko was detained in violation of international rules on September 30, 2016 in Moscow, where he arrived on a private visit.

On October 7, he was charged with "espionage." Russia's FSB claimed that Sushchenko is a member of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The latter denied this allegation.

On June 4, the Moscow City Court sentenced Sushchenko to 12 years in a high-security penal colony.

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